COMMON NAME: Sweet Myrrh, Opopanax, Bisbol Myrrh

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Commiphora erythrea var. glabrascens

FAMILY NAME: Burseraceae (Incense)

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Somalia, Ethiopia

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Ethiopia, the resin can be distilled all over the world

HISTORY INFORMATION: Traditionally used as incense. Medicinally used for asthma, hysteria and as an antiseptic. Opopanax means "all healing vegetable juice".

GENERAL INFORMATION: Commiphora species can be mixed (see General Info, Myrrh), making it difficult to know actually what is true. True sweet myrrh (Opopanax chironium, Pastinaca opopanax) which is part of the carrot family, was developed as a perfume oil. This oil was similar to parsnip or lovage and, for unknown reasons, is no longer available. Cassie (Acacia farnesiana) is also called Opopanax and they are not similar. We call this oil Sweet Myrrh so as not have it confused with opopanax cassie.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: Tropical, evergreen trees growing to 33 feet high with knotted branches and trifoliate aromatic leaves producing white flowers. It grows in very dry conditions and naturally produces resin from fissures in its trunk.

PARTS PROCESSED: Resin tears. Crude oleogum resin.

PROCESSING METHODS: Water or steam distilled. Resinoid by solvent extraction.

COLOR RANGE: Orange, yellow or olive. Very dark olive, brown

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: (Rarely analyzed because viscousness clogs capillary tubes of GC.) Sesquiterpenes.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: (Refer to Myrrh for addtn'l.) Anti-infectious, antiparasitic, anti-inflammative, antiseptic, antispasmodic, balsamic, expectorant. Used for wounds, inflamed skin, boils, skin ulcers, athlete's foot, moist chapped skin, weeping eczema, mature skin, sore throat, asthma, bronchitis, cough, mouth ulcer, dysentery, intestinal colitis, diarrhea, gas, hemorrhoids and loss of appetite.

MENTAL USES: I have a divine plan working in my life. I am in alignment with my divine plan. I am guiding and directing my life in accordance with my inner self.

EMOTIONAL USES: Directionless, conflict of ego with higher self, irresponsible, blaming or feeling blamed TO good sense of direction and purpose within life, aware of divine plan working in life, responsible for choices and life decisions, allows for the outrageous and spontaneous

SPIRITUAL USES: Can indicate that you are trying to come to terms with choices you have made and want to be more in the present. It can also indicate that you are trying too hard and need to lighten up. Sweet Myrrh is not as expansive as myrrh. It tends to be used more with life lessons and being here and now. It helps resolves conflict between the ego and the higher self. Sweet Myrrh offers protection. It is that awareness that you have an inner compass or divine plan within. You know you can enter the unknown with safety. It supports you in carrying out your divine plan when this plan may not be easy, happy or fun.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candles, massage, mist spray.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: Nontoxic, cross-sensitization to Peru Balsam, avoid in pregnancy due to unknown constituents.