Opopanax resin Commiphora guidotti
The brownish-red opopanax resin is obtained from the bark of trees of the genus Myrrh. The sweet myrrh (bot. Commiphora guidotti) is a Mediterranean coastal plant whose resin was traded by the Phoenicians and Greeks. This highly scented species of myrrh is also known as opopanax. It is believed that the Bible refers to the scented myrrh. Together with frankincense (boswellia or frankincense resin) and true myrrh, opopanax was the main ingredient in ritual and religious incense. King Solomon considered opopanax resin to be the noblest incense. In Egypt, opopanax was used for embalming as it has excellent antibacterial properties, reduces ageing and decay.
Opopanax resin is added to livestock feed to increase milk production. This aromatic myrrh is still transported to Europe and used in perfumes and incense. The smoke of the opopanax incense is light and refreshing. It blends well with other resins.
To be incensed alone or with other flavourings on hot, but not smouldering, coals.
Not for any internal use.
If you are using a heat-resistant ceramic incense burner, if it is your first encounter with the scented substances, to get to know them through the ritual of incense, you can also use a larger flat stone (brought from the seaside or a trip further afield) or a large sink filled with sand.
If you have one, put all the components needed for incense in a tray:
- a sandpit (e.g. flat stone),
- resin,
- a natural charcoal for incense,
- tweezers or tongs for safely spreading the resin on the charcoal, or for tilting the incense stick.
Natural charcoal is the easiest to tan from a gas stove, if you don't have one at home, you will need to light it with a candle or a torch, which will take longer. If you have a fireplace and use harder woods, you can also try burning charcoal from a fireplace or fire pit. Put the finest possible crumbs of resin on the charcoal you choose, so that the aroma of the resin lasts longer, spreads more easily and beautifully, and there is less white, thick smoke. If the resin you have is in coarse pieces, you can crush it with your fingers, or just use a hammer or a heavier object to roll it into paper.
Incense is a more mindful process, to be present here and now, both in preparation for the incense and after the incense has been lit. Be careful with hot charcoal, do not pick it up with your fingers, use tweezers, do not leave it unattended when tanning, and do not leave it unattended while incense is being burnt, and incense in well-ventilated areas.
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