Opoponax gum resin (Commiphora opoponax) from Somalia, also known as "sweet myrrh" and "bisabol myrrh", has an earthy-sweet, balsam-like, lavender-like fragrance when used as incense. King Solomon regarded opoponax as one of the "noblest" of all incense gums. Various cultures used opoponax to guard against negative influences, strengthen the senses, to increase awareness and intuition.