Opoponax Essential Oil: A Guide to Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Opoponax also known as sweet myrrh, is a flowering plant that grows in Africa and the Middle East. The oil is distilled from the gum of the tree and has a sweet, smoky aroma. It is used in perfumes, soaps, candles and incense. Opoponax essential oil has a wide range of benefits including:, reducing stress and anxiety, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, promoting digestion, supporting respiratory health.

Opoponax essential oil is also effective in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. When used topically, it can help to speed up the healing process of wounds and burns.

Essential Oil Profile / Monograph

Botanical Name: Opopanax guidottii

Common Names: Opoponax, Sweet Myrrh

Plant Family: Burseraceae

Countries of origin: Ethiopia, Somalia

Extraction Method: Steam Distillation

Parts Used: Resin from the Tree

Essential Oil smell: Warm, Sweet and Spicy scent with a Smoky undertone

Essential Oil Color: Pale yellow to amber

Viscosity: Medium

Perfumery Note: Base

Strength of Aroma: Strong

Blends Well With: Cypress, Frankincense, Benzoin, Lavender, Mandarin

Therapeutic Properties: Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, expectorant, immunostimulant, sedative

Uses: Acne, anxiety, colds, coughs, digestion problems, eczema, inflammation, psoriasis, wounds

Contraindications: None known

Side Effects: Rare side effects can include skin irritation and sensitization. If you experience any adverse reactions, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

Types: Pure, Natural

Chemical Constituents: α-terpineol (35%), myrcene (20%), limonene (11%), α-pinene (10%)

What is Opoponax?

The Opoponax tree is a flowering plant that grows in Africa and the Middle East. The tree can grow up to 15 feet tall and has small, white flowers. The resin from the tree is used to make essential oil.

Benefits

– Reducing stress and anxiety

– Boosting immunity

– Reducing inflammation

– Promoting digestion

– Supporting respiratory health

Opoponax essential oil is also effective in treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. When used topically, it can help to speed up the healing process of wounds and burns.

Uses

Opoponax essential oil can be used in a variety of ways including:

Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of opoponax oil to a diffuser or burner to enjoy its calming, stress-relieving effects.

Topical use: Mix opoponax oil with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and apply it to the skin. It can be used to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions.

DIY recipes: You can add opoponax oil to homemade soaps, candles, perfumes and other products.

Historical use

Opoponax has been used for centuries in traditional African medicine for its wide range of benefits. It was used to treat anxiety, boost immunity, reduce inflammation and promote digestion. Opoponax was also used topically to treat skin conditions, wounds and burns.

Topical use

Opoponax essential oil can be used topically to treat a variety of skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and wounds. It can also help to speed up the healing process of burns and cuts. To use opoponax oil topically, mix it with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil and apply it to the affected area.

Opoponax essential oil benefits for skin

Opoponax essential oil is beneficial for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. It can help to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. It is also effective in treating acne, eczema and psoriasis. When used topically, it can help to speed up the healing process of wounds and burns.

Opoponax essential oil benefits for hair

Opoponax essential oil can also be used to promote healthy hair growth. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce scalp irritation and dandruff. It can also help to strengthen the hair shaft and prevent split ends.

Aromatherapy

Opoponax essential oil can be used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety. It has a calming, grounding effect that can help to ease tension and promote relaxation. It can also boost your mood and improve your sleep quality. To use opoponax essential oil in aromatherapy, add a few drops to an diffuser or burner.

Diffuser blends for aromatherapy with Opoponax Oil

Stress relief: Add 3 drops of opoponax, 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of chamomile, essential oils to your diffuser.

Immunity booster: Add 2 drops of opoponax, 2 drops of eucalyptus and 2 drops of rosemary essential oils to your diffuser.

Digestion aid: Add 4 drops of opoponax and 4 drops of ginger essential oils to your diffuser.

Skin soother: Add 3 drops of opoponax and 3 drops of lavender essential oils to your diffuser.

Wound healer: Add 3 drops of opoponax, 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops frankincense essential oils to your diffuser.

Burn relief: Add 4 drops of opoponax and 4 drops of lavender essential oils to your diffuser.

Relaxation: Add 3 drops of opoponax, 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of ylang ylang essential oils to your diffuser.

DIY recipes with Opoponax Oil

Soothing body lotion

Mix together 1 cup of shea butter, 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 1/4 cup of jojoba oil and 10 drops of opoponax essential oil. Whip the mixture until it is light and fluffy. Store in a jar and apply to your skin as needed.

Relaxing bath bomb

Mix together 1 cup of baking soda, 1/2 cup of citric acid, 1/2 cup of epsom salt, 1/4 cup of cornstarch and 10 drops of opoponax essential oil. Add the mixture to a mold and let it harden. Drop into your bathtub for a relaxing experience.

Calming pillow spray

Mix together 1 cup of distilled water, 1/4 cup of witch hazel, 10 drops of opoponax essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Store in a spray bottle and spritz onto your pillow before bedtime.

Stress relief massage oil

Mix together 1/4 cup of carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, 10 drops of opoponax essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Massage into your skin as needed.

Wound healing salve

Mix together 1/4 cup of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of beeswax, 10 drops of opoponax essential oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Store in a jar and apply to cuts and scrapes as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

References:

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