Gum Opoponax

Gum Opoponax (Commiphora Guiddoti) or “Sweet Myrrh” as some call it, is a cousin of Commiphora Myrrha (Ogaden). It grows in Eastern Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Somaliland. This one grows in Ethiopia. It is a natural oleo gum resin just like Commiphora Myrrha (Ogaden). It is named sweet myrrh because it is not bitter like Commiphora Myrrha (Ogaden) but sweet-smelling and its taste is sweet also. In Ethiopia, it is also wild-harvested just like Commiphora Myrrha (Ogaden). If you put the two together they look rather similar. Opoponax has also a bit more orange to it while Commiphora Myrrha (Ogaden) is more reddish. It can be used to make skin look fresh by making a tincture or an herbal infusion. Some actually use it to aid digestion and help with congestion.