Opopanax chironium, common name Hercules' all-heal,[2] is a herb of the family Apiaceae.
Opopanax chironium grows 1–3 metres (3 ft 3 in – 9 ft 10 in) high.[4] This perennial herb has a branching stem, thick and rough close to the base. Leaves are serrate, pinnate, with long petioles. It produces a large, flat, yellow inflorescence at the top of the branches.[5][6]
A gum resin (mostly gum) known as opopanax can be extracted from this plant by cutting at the base of a stem and sun-drying the juice that flows out. It has a strong unpleasant odor, unlike the perfumery's opopanax which is aromatic.[4]
The resin has been used in the treatment of spasms,[5] and, before that, as an emmenagogue, in the treatment of asthma, chronic visceral infections, hysteria and hypochondria.[4] Opopanax resin is most frequently sold in dried irregular pieces, though tear-shaped gems are not uncommon.[5]
The plant thrives in warm climates like Iran, Italy, Greece and Turkey, but also grows in cooler climates.[2][5] Some view opopanax grown in cooler climates as being of inferior quality.
Data related to Opopanax chironium at Wikispecies
Media related to Opopanax chironium at Wikimedia Commons
