Opoponax
Price range: $33.00 through $77.00
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Product Description
Opoponax Essential Oil (Commiphora erthyraea)
Opoponax essential oil is produced from the commonly known as "sweet myrrh" or "bisabolol myrrh", this sacred resin relates to spirituality, skin healing and is a lovely ingredient in botanical perfumery.
- Anti-microbial
- Botanical Perfumery
- Ceremonial Asset
- Culinary Enhancement For Adventurous (Safety Not Well-Established)
- Fixative in Fragrance Design
- Great in Diffuser
- Meditation / Divining Agent
- Relaxes Sore Muscles & Joints
- Skin Care Ingredient
Aromatic Scent: Smooth, bright and uplifting balsamic notes ~ soft resinous summer bubble gum.
Dr. Nick Notes
Opoponax is such a precious sacred resin that energetically connects an embodied experience with higher planes of consciousness. Quite smooth as a fixative in botanical perfumery and great to elevate the environment through a diffuser. Opoponax essential oil seems to soften/balance emotions and enhance connection to the divine when combined with intention. Applied into a carrier oil such a jojoba creates a nice tonifying experience that calms the nervous system and slows the mind when inhaled and rubbed into the face. Did I mention how wonderful and unique extremely small quantities of opoponax are for creating unique flavors in coconut ice cream, tinctures – if I drank alcohol, I could see how this could invent a fine liqueur.
My first experience blending Opoponax created Summer Breeze which combined Red Mandarin, Opoponax, Juniper Berries (CO2), Silver Fir & Frankincense as a wondrous, refreshing tincture to enhance awareness to the present moment. Opoponax oil is smooth and rich ~ yet exudes soft balsamic notes. I've enjoyed applying it to the bottom of my feet or around my third eye intentionally to enhance the quality of my meditation or rituals. Opoponax essential oil is a key ingredient to my formula Crown (which also combines Oud, Blue Lotus, CO2 Nutmeg, Pink Pepper) and is really interesting when applied to the crown/scalp of the head.
How to Use
- Add 5-25 drops / ounce of carrier oil mixed with other sacred essences to create a phenomenally smooth massage oil to deepen relaxation.
- Apply diluted blend to the wrist points, bottom of the feet and below the nose before ceremony or intentional meditation to deepen practice.
- Enjoy lukewarm bath, placing 3-5 drops under running water – paradise!
- Rub 1-3 drops into hands, move hands in front and around the body to cleanse energy field.
- Massage 1-5 drops into bottom of feet to ground an relax the body and expand the consciousness.
- Diffuse into the environment using a diffuser to purify the environment and clear the thoughts.
- Infuse 1-2.5% into a carrier oil and apply to face before bedtime to soften and vitalize the skin.
- Use as a sweet base-mid note in botanical perfumery – blends well with other resins, citrus oils, florals and sacred notes (ie. Frankincense/Myrrh/Galbanum)
- Vaporize in an Essential VAAAPP for a deep meditative experience – helps to loosen phelgm.
Precautions
Not for use topically in sensitive individuals - Some risk of dermal irritation. Use very diluted (<0.6% topical) for extended periods of usage. May cause photosensitivity, avoid topical use under direct sunlight.
Blends Well With: Agarwood (CO2), Amyris, Angelica Root (CO2), Benzoin, Blue Lotus Absolute, Cananga, Cassia (CO2), Cedar, Copaiba, Elemi, Balsam Fir Absolute, Frankincense Sacra, Galbanum (CO2), Rose-Geranium, Lavender, Jasmine Auriculatum Absolute, Lavender, Liquidambar (Styrax), Mace, Magnolia, Muhuhu, Myrrh (CO2), Nutmeg, Palo Santo, Pine, Rhododendron, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Spikenard, Black Spruce, Tobacco Absolute, Vanilla (CO2), Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
Cultivation: Wildcrafted
Country of Origin: S. Africa
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Parts of Plant Used: Resin
Terpenes: (E)-B-Bergamotene, a-Bergamotene, (z)-a-Bisabolene, Decanol, Germacrene D, (E)-B-Ocimene, a-Santalene
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product. *
FAQs
Opoponax (Commiphora guidottii), also known as sweet myrrh or bisabol myrrh, is a resinous essential oil steam-distilled from the gum of a small tree native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is closely related to myrrh but has a distinctly sweeter, warmer, and more balsamic aromatic profile. Opoponax has been used since ancient Egyptian times in incense, perfumery, and medicine.
While both are Commiphora species, opoponax (sweet myrrh) is sweeter, smoother, and more balsamic than true myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), which tends to be sharper, more bitter, and more medicinal. Opoponax is often preferred in perfumery for its warmth and approachability, while true myrrh is favored for its therapeutic potency. They blend beautifully together for a full-spectrum resinous experience.
Opoponax is used in natural perfumery as a warm, sweet base note, in aromatherapy for grounding, calming, and respiratory support, and in ceremonial practice as a sacred incense resin. It is particularly valued for its ability to add depth and warmth to meditation blends, amber accords, and oriental-style perfume compositions. It blends well with frankincense, myrrh, sandalwood, benzoin, and vanilla.
Yes — opoponax essential oil is generally well-tolerated topically when diluted in a carrier oil at 2–5%. It is considered a gentle resin oil suitable for most skin types. As with all essential oils, perform a patch test before broad application and consult a healthcare provider before use during pregnancy. Some suggest to avoid extreme UV light for 1-2 hours after applying Opoponax though I have not yet seen any real-life examples where people were affected with Opoponax photosenitivity.
Opoponax is sweeter, warmer, and more balsamic than frankincense, which tends to be brighter, more citrusy, and more resinous. Think of opoponax as the sweet, honeyed side of the resin family versus frankincense’s clean, uplifting brightness. The two blend exceptionally well together — frankincense adds lift and clarity while opoponax adds depth and warmth.
Our Process
We consciously source all our ingredients from Organic, Wildcrafted and/or Unsprayed (Pesticide-free) farms & distilleries. We then enhance these premium ingredients through our unique proprietary process to bring each of our formulations into their highest expression. You can really smell, feel, sense, and experience the difference!
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** The information provided on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only and reflects historical, cultural, and experiential perspectives. This product has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary. Always use personal discernment and consult a qualified healthcare professional when appropriate, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
Adam Scibich (Essential Oil Wizardry) –