OPOPONAX RESIN
Regular price $52.00Olfactive Experience
Balsamic, warm, earthy, rich notes of honey, chocolate and myrrh
Feel
Sensuous, relaxed, grounded
Opoponax is known as the “sweet myrrh” of Arabia, and shares the same genus as Myrrh (Commiphora). This resin variety, commonly referred to as “Hagar” in Somalia, has a deep, sensuous nature, both darker in color and aroma than its sister Myrrh. Its dark red and rust hues are endowed with an animalic and mysterious feel, exuding a sexy, complex aroma that is balsamic, warm, and sweet, with notes of honey and depths of chocolate. These pieces can also be placed atop hot charcoal and burned for ceremonial uses, meditation practice, or for perfuming and cleansing the energy of an environment. On the coal it reveals a perfumed smoke of dates, woodlands, burnt honey, and dried helichrysum.
Opoponax has been a component of incense and perfumes since Biblical times and, like its close relatives myrrh and frankincense, is regenerating to skin cells when extracted or macerated in oil. To create an Opoponax maceration and experience the broad spectrum of phytochemicals present in the resin, break the resin into fine particles and cover with an unrefined oil such as olive oil in a glass jar. Store in darkness for at least one moon cycle, shaking mixture a few times each week. Strain away solids and apply the concentrated oil directly to the skin.
35g
Burn Opoponax.
Carefully ignite clean burning charcoal over a hot flame using a heat-resistant utensil until the corners and edges of the briquette glow red. Place the charcoal inside an incense burner and top it with a piece of Opoponax resin. More fragrant smoke will be produced by placing a larger piece of incense on the smoldering ember.
A collaboration with nature
We believe in fostering curiosity and reverence for nature’s biodiversity, employing a scientific and holistic approach to our creations that inspires a reconnection with our most primordial sense and elicits a shift in consciousness.
Nature is our ultimate guide
With profound admiration for botanical species native to climate zones across the world, we strive to spread awareness about the need to conserve the beautiful lands that allow these plants to thrive while giving back to local and indigenous communities that have cultivated them for centuries.
Conscious sourcing
To ensure efficacy and an experience of the highest quality Bio Alchemy Olfactive travels the world to source each botanical ingredient and offering, working closely with farmers, ethnobotanists, harvesters, distillers, and surrounding communities.
Traceability and sustainability are integral to our work. The botanical materials that make up our collection are sourced with an eye towards sustainable growth practices, mindful cultivation and extraction, and reverence for the cultural traditions that have dictated their use for centuries.
All products are formulated in Bio Alchemy Olfactive’s private lab with exclusively sourced ingredients. Each bottle is hand poured, labeled and packaged. Our packaging, from shipping boxes, water activated tape, and protective wrap to shipping labels are plastic free and made from 100% post consumer waste with recycled ink, making them fully recyclable and naturally biodegradable. No forests are damaged in production.
Products packaged in glass vials are intended for reuse and are tied with hand spun natural Peruvian alpaca twine from the women of a small community with whom we work.
We prioritize eco-friendly and responsibly sourced packaging materials in effort to keep our carbon footprint as small as possible.