Opopanax

 

Commiphora erythraea or guidotti-- Also called (Bisabol-Myrrh or Sweet Myrrh)-- steam distilled from the sun dried exudation of the bark.  A warm climate is necessary to produce an oleo gum resin of the first quality. For this reason, the oil from France is deemed inferior. Has a bittersweet undertone with some herbaceousness. Warm, balsamic, woody, root-like, faint celery undertones and exotic.  Works well in perfumes and blends that have an oriental character.

CAUTIONS: Moderate risk of skin sensitization, avoid use on hypersensitive, diseased, or damaged skin and on children less than 2 years of age. Dilute  well before using.  A maximum dermal use level of 0.6% is recommended.

 CHARACTER:  "Sure Precision"  Logical, No room for error, Direct , Balancing, Opening, Centering, Supportive, Purifying, It is less solemn than Myrrh and less bright than Frankincense — it lives in the middle ground of soft transformation and sacred emotional integration.

ETHERIC COLORS:  Red Brass, Yellow, Deep Green, Burnished Amber, Deep Plum

CRYSTALS:  Clear Quartz, Selenite, Onyx, Smoky Quartz, Rhodonite, Garnet, Amethyst, Labradorite, Petrified wood  

CHAKRA:  All, especially Sacral, Root and Heart

MUSICAL:  E FLAT and B flat; low cello, frame drum; slow, steady rhythm

NOTE:  Middle/Base, Fixative         

ELEMENT:  Some say Earth with slow Fire; others say Water, Metal, Air       

ASTRO:  Saturn, Mars, Pluto, Capricorn, Scorpio

ENERGY TYPE: 4, 3; “Transform slowly. Burn steadily.”

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Sesquiterpene

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Attention to detail, clarity, calmness, spiritual revelation, lucid dreaming, "slows" the mind; resilience, patience, quiet power

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Free one from evil thoughts, Grief, wooly thinking, confusion, fluffy daydreaming or living in a cloud cuckoo land.

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  Skin ulcers, diabetes, obesity, rheumatism, arthritis, muscle pain, circulatory problems, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause

PROPERTIES: Anti-inflammatory, anti-septic, anti-spasmodic, Alterative, analgesic, antifungal, astringent, carminative, emmenagogue, expectorant, disinfectant, immune stimulant, circulatory stimulant 

BLENDS: Horse Whisper,  Sitalpu,  Turquoise, 

Blends with FRANKINCENSE, LAVENDER, PATCHOULI, SANDALWOOD, BENZOIN, OAK MOSS, CYPRESS, JUNIPER, MANDARIN, GERANIUM, PATCHOULI, THYME, MINTS, PINE AND SPICES (Really, almost anything)

Major constituents:  bisabolene, ocimene, santalene, bergamotene, germacrene, decanol

ARCHETYPES:  MYSTIC, ANGEL, ADVENTURER, MENTOR,, RESCUER,, SAMARITAN, ALCHEMIST, DESERT MYSTIC, INCENSE BEARER, SACRED FIRE KEEPER 

PERSONALITY: (A cousin of Myrrh, thus similar)

+  Hidden depth.

+  Sincere, imaginative, optimistic, warm, inviting, a little "sweeter" than a Myrrh. 

+Enjoy expressing themselves, masters of body language, in getting their point across. However, they can be quite subtle and secretive.

+Extraordinary memory…not only words, but actions and expressions.

+Tolerant, accepting, non-judgmental,  passionate, but patient in whatever they do and supporting to others in their path.

+Their expressive words are precise and may use the words "perfect" and "exactly."

+They either show up at the "wrong" time or the "right" time depending on circumstances.

+They can exude a sense of warmth, safety and support. 

+Have a bit of an adventurous spirit.

+Thrive best in a warmer climate.

(Updated Feb. 25, 2026)

Buddha Wood

 

E Eremophila mitchelli -- Steam distilled from heart wood and bark. Very little information on this Australian oil. Also known as False Sandalwood and Desert Rosewood.  Although, many say it does not smell like sandalwood. Has a delightful woody, smoky, resinous complex somewhat floral aroma that blends well with a broad range of fragrance bases. Some call it a "smoky chocolate covered tobacco". Some call it a "love child" of Vetiver, Sandalwood and Cedar. Used especially in fragrances for men.

CAUTIONS:  Due to the high ketone content it should be treated with respect and not used on a daily basis for pain relief and it should not ever be ingested. Good for diffusing.1–3% dilution in carrier oil for massage to back of neck or feet. 

CHARACTER:  "Meditative Friend"  Mindful, Focused, Clear, Grounding, Peaceful, Ancient Stillness, Sacred solitude

GEMS:  Smoky Quartz, Rainbow Jasper, Picture Jasper, Tiger Eye, Obsidian, Petrified Wood, Lepidolite, Garnet

ETHERIC COLORS:  Deep Plum brown, Smoky violet, Amber

CHAKRA:  Root, Third Eye, subtle Crown

MUSIC:  B, F#; Low tibetan bowl, Didgeridoo, Slow Hand drum

PERFUME NOTE:  Fixative, Base even Medium

ENERGY:  4, 2; “Stillness is strength.”

 

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Loving strength,  calm, relaxation, sleep, massage analgesic, creating a layer of protection around the auric field, self-reflection, 

   

 USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  To clear unwanted or negative energy, Stress, going through Grief, Overwhelmed by noise, physical restlessness, 

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:   pain relief, stiff muscles, respiratory support, 

PROPERTIES:  anti-termite (repellant and insecticide), antimicrobial and antibacterial, anti-depressant, sedative, deodorizer, anti-viral

BLENDS:   Dragon Quest,  Caldera,  Yellowstone, 

Blends well with almost any other oil, especially woods and florals.

CONTAINS:  Ketones

Eremophilone 40.0-60.0%
Hydroxyeremophilone 6.0-15.0%
Dihydroeremophilone 15.0-30.0%
sesquiterpenes

ARCHETYPES:   COUNSELOR, DIPLOMAT, LIBERATOR, SEER, MONK, ANCIENT SAGE, DESERT HERMIT

PERSONALITY: 

+ Makes a great counselor or therapist,  their calm and self-assured nature being able to help others work through their grief and traumatic memories.

+ Ethical, compassionate, dedicated to their causes, seeking out injustice

 +Determined to have an impact on the world, making it a better place 

 +Quiet endurance

+ Serene and aware of emotions, and direction in life

+ They are able to uplift others' moods, helping to dispel anxiety, depression and tension

 +Likes being out in nature

 +Deep Thinker, Meditator,  somewhat of an introvert.

(updated Feb. 22,2026)

Niaouli

 

Melaleuca viridiflora or quinquenervia distilled from the leaves and twigs.  Large evergreen tree, a Member of the Melaleuca family along with CAJUPET, TEA TREE, MANUKA and  LEMON TEA TREE, but smells more like EUCALYPTUS. Has a camphoraceous, fresh, somewhat fruity, earthy and somewhat harsh sweet, musty aroma. It is less likely to irritate the skin than Tea Tree. It is one of the least expensive oils and should be in everyone's arsenal of oils.

CAUTIONS: Inexpensive and a great choice for diffusing, however do not use it on the face of babies or young children. The 1,8-cineole is toxic for them if they inhale it.  Recommended dilution of 2% for topical use.

 CHARACTER:   "Confident Uplifter"  Fresh, Supportive, Clear minded strength, Steady Protection, Clear headed caretaker.

ETHERIC COLORS:  Pale Aqua, Turquoise, Sky blue, Sunlit Yellow

GEMS:  Ruby Zoisite, Botswana Agate, Sugilite, Tiger Eye, Lapis Lazuli, Blue Lace Agate, Sodalite, Aventurine, Peridot, Citrine   

CHAKRA:  Throat, Heart, Solar 

MUSICAL:  E, G, B; flute, Clarinet, oboe, Light strings, soft chimes, clear toned minimal compositions

NOTE:  Top to  Middle        

ELEMENT:  Air, sublet Fire  

ASTRO:   Mercury, Virgo, Aquarius

ENERGY TYPE: 4, 1

CHEMICAL FAMILY: Oxide

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES:  Concentration,  Invigorates heart and mind, Encourages Creativity, Lifts Vibrations. Used more for physical rather than emotional benefits.

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES: Depression, Mental fatigue

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:  muscle tension and aches, intestinal and urinary infections, respiratory infections, acne, insect bites,  poor circulation, colds, flu, fever, sore throat, digestive problems, dermatitis, neuralgia, arthritis/rheumatism, wounds, headache, toothache, gout, acne, rashes, MRSA, shingles pain, burns, herpes, athlete's foot, yeast overgrowth, head lice, herpes

PROPERTIES: Antiseptic, decongestant, stimulant, anti-viral,  anti-biotic against staph, strep, candida, detoxifier, analgesic, expectorant, febrifuge, insecticide, vermifuge, balsamic, decongestant, digestive,    Stimulant for the circulation as it increases the growth of white blood cells.

BLENDS WELL WITH: Basil, Cajeput, Eucalyptus, Juniper, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Myrtle, Orange, Pine   Rosemary, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Thyme, Geranium

BLENDS CONTAINING: Anasazi, Way of the Leaf, Eucalyptus Rain, Moki,

CONTAINS: Up to 58% cineole, 15% terpineol, beta-caryophyllene, benzaldehyde, pinene,  limonene, linalool, viridifloral, aldehydes and esters.  There are two types: One is high in cineole and one is high in linalool.

ARCHETYPES:   HEALER, CHILD (ALL), RESCUER, TEACHER, COUNSELOR, LEADER, REDEEMER, HERBAL MEDIC, RESILIENT GUIDE, CLEAN SLATE KEEPER

PERSONALITY:  Similar to Tea Tree,  Palmarosa, Thyme Linalol

 

+No hidden motives.  Direct, encouraging, instills inspiration in others. However, occasionally their directness can "rub" others the wrong way.  It is not a reflection of their authentic nature, but indicative of the  dysfunction of those who may be offended.  

+ Steady and dependable.  Thinks clearly under pressure.

+ Very good leader.  Believes in fairness and justice. Good teacher.  +Offers practical solutions.

+ Loving, strong, inviting respect.

+ Supporting—people flock around for emotional support

+ Able to look through a difficult past and see a future as easier and more pleasant. Just because it has been difficult does not mean that the rest of my life will be the same.

+They live within the flow and feel good about the future and life, keeping difficulties in perspective.

+Values cleanliness and order.

(updated Feb. 18, 2026)

Massoia

 

Cryptocarya massoia, C. aromatica, Massoia aromatica -- Steam distilled from the bark.  Belongs to a species of 200 evergreen trees mostly in Indonesia. Has been described as fruity, coconut, tropical, quirky, rich, golden, caramel, nutty. It is definitely a "flavor", not a main ingredient. Mostly used in perfumery.

CAUTIONS:  Massoia has a fair amount of lactones and should be used with care.  Can be very irritating to the skin.  Dilute to at least less than 1%. 

CHARACTER:  "Delectable Masterpiece", Balanced Yin/Yang, Centering, “Quietly Magnetic”

ETHERIC COLORS:  Warm cream, Golden apricot, Cocoa Brown 

GEMS/CRYSTALS:  Botswana Agate, Wood Agate, Ametrine, Golden Amphibolite, Mookaite Jasper, Golden Obsidian, Topaz, Carnelian, Peach Moonstone, Sunstone, Rose Quartz, Opal, Rhodonite

CHAKRAS:  Sacral, Heart, supportive Root

SACRED SYLLABLES:  Lam, Vam, Yam

ELEMENTS: Earth, Water, gentle Fire, Air

PERFUME NOTE:  Base or Fixative (some sources say Top with low to medium tenacity)

MUSICAL:  F, C, open fifth; warm acoustic guitar, low jazz piano

ASTRO:  Venus, Taurus, Cancer, Moon

USED FOR THESE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES: Calming to nervous system, Stability

USED FOR THESE NEGATIVE STATES:  Emotional sensitivity, grief, anxiety

USED FOR THESE PHYSICAL STATES:   to stimulate new cell growth, regenerate tissues and help minimize lines and wrinkles, acne, headaches, colds, coughs, fever and infections, ticklish or sore throats, candida, pituitary gland, respiratory problems, sore throats

PROPERTIES:  Anti-infectious, antibacterial, anticatarrh, antifungal, sedative, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, expectorant, vermifuge

BLENDS:   Mother of Pearl,  Dreamsicle, Into The Woods,  Ocean Jasper,  Sacred Rim, Silver River,  

Blends well with: Vanilla, Benzoin, Tobacco, Ho Wood, Geranium, Oranges, Bergamot, all cedars, Chamomiles, Cinnamon, Lavender, Patchouli, Spearmint, Jasmine

Chemical Constituents : Lactone. Benyl benzoate, caryophylene, pyrones

ARCHETYPES:  EARTH MOTHER, COUNSELOR, WISE WOMAN, HEALER, COMFORTING LOVER, TROPICAL MUSE

PERSONALITY

+ Strong, powerful "I can do anything" attitude.

+ Needs to feel part of a community or family 

+ Self-assured, calming, especially good at comforting during trauma or grief.

+ Drawn towards seeking knowledge with patience and true dedication.

+ Offers authentic insights and direction.  Gentle magnetism.

+ Seems to be especially blessed with spiritual gifts.

+Adapts well to new situations and good at organizing. 

+Relaxed vulnerability; “It is safe to feel. It is safe to soften.”

“I smell the heavenly sweetness & beauty within me.”

(updated Feb. 25, 2026)