About Opopanax chironium (L.) W.D.J.Koch
Opopanax chironium (L.) W.D.J.Koch is a perennial herb that grows 1–3 metres (3 feet 3 inches – 9 feet 10 inches) tall. It has a branching stem that is thick and rough near its base. Its leaves are serrated and pinnate, with long petioles. At the top of its branches, it produces a large, flat, yellow inflorescence. This species grows well in warm climates, and can be found in Iran, Italy, Greece and Turkey; it also grows in cooler climates. A gum resin that is mostly composed of gum can be extracted from Opopanax chironium by cutting the base of a stem and sun-drying the juice that flows out. This resin has a strong unpleasant odor, which differs from the aromatic opopanax used in perfumery. Historically, the resin has been used as an emmenagogue, and to treat asthma, chronic visceral infections, hysteria, hypochondria, and spasms. Most often, opopanax resin is sold as dried, irregular pieces, but tear-shaped pieces are not uncommon.
