Opoponax (Sweet Myrrh)

Botanical Name

Commiphora erythraea

Plant Family

Burseraceae

Country of Origin

Kenya

Common Method of Extraction

Steam Distilled

Plant Part Typically Used

Gum/Resin

Color

Pale Yellow

Consistency

Thin

Perfumery Note

Middle/Base

Strength of Initial Aroma

Medium

Aromatic Description

Opoponax, or Sweet Myrrh, oil is a rich, earthy, sweet, balsamic aroma with some woody nuances. Lighter and a bit sweeter than Commiphora myrrha.

Possible Substitute Oils

Myrrh

Blends Well With

Forest, floral and leather aromatics

GRAS status

 

Opoponax Essential Oil Uses

• Antiseptic
• Antispasmodic
• Expectorant
• Fragrance Fixative (acts as a base to the hold aromas of blended essential oils, longer)

Source: Julia Lawless, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Updated Edition) (London: Harper Thorsons, 2014), 150-151.

Major Constituents of Opoponax Essential Oil

• (E)-B-Ocimene
• (z)-a-Bisabolene
• a-Santalene
• (E)-B-Bergamotene
• a-Bergamotene
• Germacrene D
• Decanol

Source: K.H.C. Baser, B. Demirci, A. Debeko, E. Dagne, Essential Oils of Some Boswellia spp., Myrrh and Opopanax. (Flavour & Fragrance Journal 18, 2003), 153-156. Source cited in Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 224.

Recommended Dilution Range

5% – neat

Opoponax Essential Oil Safety Information

Tisserand and Young indicate that Opoponax Essential Oil is phototoxic and that there is moderate risk of skin sensitization when using the oil topically. They precaution against topical use for those with hypersensitive/diseased/damaged skin. They recommend a dermal maximum usage level of 0.6%. Reading Tisserand and Young’s full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 370-371.]

General Safety Information

Do not take essential oils internally nor apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Read, Birkat Natural’s, Guide to Diluting Essential Oils, for general dilution information. If you are currently experiencing pregnancy, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, have any other medical problem, or are otherwise under the care of a physician, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. Carefully read Birkat Natural’s Essential Oil Safety Information page, before using any essential oil. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made by Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC as to the medicinal value of any products from Birkat Adonai Farm, LLC. The information presented here is for educating our customers about the traditional uses of essential oils and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products. If you have any questions, please call or email us for further information.