Latin name: Commiphora erythrea
Also know as: sweet myrrh, Opoponax, bisabol myrrh, Pastinaca opopanax, Opopanax chironium, Mecca balsam
Origin: Somalia

Commiphora erythrea – Opopanax Resin

Opopanax is often burnt as an incense to evoke, stimulate and awaken sensory perception and sensory awareness. It is thought to be purifying and cleansing, and to heighten intuitive awareness. Opopanax has a rich, spicey, fruity, earthy smell which brings the attention of the user in touch with the body. King Solomon regarded opoponax as one of the “noblest” of all incense gums. In olden times it was one of the gum resins thought to be applicable to almost all ills, hence the name Opopanax, meaning the “All-healing juice”.

Key Benefits of Opopanax:

Fragrance: Spicy, cardamom like, musky, balsamic, sweet, heavy, heady and rich.
Properties: grounding, arousing, invoking, clearing

How to Burn Opopanax Resins:

Light the charcoal with matches or lighter for about 20 seconds until it self-ignites. Use tongs to hold it up (never hold it with your fingers alone or you might get burned). Place the lit charcoal in a bowl or any incense burner. The bowl or incense burner should be filled with sand or dirt.  Let the charcoal warm for a few minutes. (It turns gray around the edges when it is ready)  Now you are ready! Add a small amount of Opopanax resin on top of the charcoal. The Opopanax  resin will burn and soon release essential, aromatic oils through the smoke. Continue to place resins or powder on charcoal as they burn out and smoke decreases for a continuous burn.