If you've been exploring the world of aromatherapy for a while, either through burnables or essential oils, you may have encountered an unfamiliar but intriguing-sounding ingredient called opopanax. Here at Mountain Rose Herbs, we happen to offer certified organic opopanax in two forms for your fragrance needs, and it's easier to use (although possibly harder to say!) than you might think.
Opopanax resin is collected from Commiphora guidottii, a tree found growing in tropical and subtropical areas throughout Africa and Asia. Hailing from the same family as myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), opopanax in its resinous form has long been heated and used as an incense. However, opopanax's fragrance is sweet and soft, with resinous and balsamic notes and without myrrh's sometimes imposing pungency and earthiness, earning it the nickname "sweet myrrh."
Opopanax essential oil can be steam distilled from this same resin. In its oil form, opopanax can be utilized as both a middle and base note and, like most essential oils derived from resin, it works as a fixative in perfume blends. It can also be diffused throughout a space on its own or as part of an aromatherapy blend.
While many folks are becoming more comfortable exploring fragrance through essential oils, the idea of getting fire involved can be a bit a bit more intimidating—but it doesn't have to be! Resins have been traded and treasured across many cultures for thousands of years, and burning them is an ancient and fairly simple practice. With a few basic precautions, you can easily enjoy the benefits of this grounding ritual in your own home.
Opopanax and other resins can be burned as incense on lit coals. A popular vessel used for burning resins on charcoal is a metal bowl with a mesh grate on top. This allows the ashes to fall below as it burns and collects them for easy disposal. You can also use a metal or stone bowl filled with sand, but you may find that the ventilation isn't sufficient to keep the coal lit.
To start, place a quick-igniting, sustainably sourced charcoal round on a heat-safe surface. Using a match or lighter, ignite the coal on its edge. I have found it’s best to wait until the entire coal is red before placing any resin on it. Once a coal is lit, it will burn for approximately 45 minutes, heating and gradually melting your resin along with it!
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