Opoponax (Commiphora holtziana)

Unit size: 1 ounce

Origin: Kenya

Form: Resin pieces

Other names: Sweet Myrrh (note: Bdellium is also sometimes known as Sweet Myrrh too), Red Myrrh, Opobalsam, perfumed bdellium, Bisabol-myrrh, Commiphora Erethraea , C. guidottii , C. kataf, C. holtiziana and C. pseudopaoli

Esoteric Uses: Protection, Love and Lust, Vengeance, Attraction

Esoteric Associations: Mars, Water, Scorpio

Incense Aroma: Smooth and sweet, like a subtle Myrrh mixed with a bit of Toffee, or honey balsam.

This intriguing incense resin is a close relative of Myrrh, but smells quite different. Because of this it is also called Sweet Myrrh, a name it shares with Bdellium (Guggul). The Latin name Opoponax is taken directly from the Greek name ὀποπάναξ, and is pronounced op-op-ON-ax. The Greek name is derived from Opos, vegetable juice, and Panas, panacea or all healing. It is likely the Greeks used the word for a different plant than is used in modern times. Opoponax today refers to a number of different gum-resins (natural substances that are a mixture of water-soluble gums and alcohol-soluble resins) which are found in countries stretching from Arabia to North Africa. Commiphora holtziana is the most common variety found in commercial use. The color of the raw resin is brown to dark red, often with minor yellows and whites in spots. Opoponax is used in the perfumery industry, especially in “oriental fragrances”, to impart sweet balsamic notes. Opoponax is attributed to the planet Mars, but also with the Element of Water which may seem strange at first until one realizes this is the aroma of the Zodiac sign Scorpio. Unlike the watery latex aroma of Myrrh, Opoponax is smooth and sweet, like a subtle Myrrh mixed with a bit of Toffee, or honey balsam. The medicinal powers of Opoponax are considered too weak for modern use. This is a highly underrated resin for incense burning.

Our Opoponax comes from Kenya.