Synopsis ~ Galbanum is an oleo-gum-resin, known since ancient times as incense and perfume with a fantastic history, odor, and chemistry; an antiseptic, uplifting and anti-aging application and a pleasure to incorporate in blends and healing perfume.

Galbanum – Using the Resin, Herb and EO

Jeanne Rose files and Correspondance

Hard Galbanum resin and the essential oil over 35 years

 

Latin Binomial/Botanical ~ Galbanum is from the plant Ferula gummosa and a synonym is F. galbaniflua (Boiss. & Buhse) AND also a synonym is (Ferula galbanifera). It is called a gum extract; and this natural fatty gummy resin (oleo-gum-resin) and the essential oil that is steam-distilled from the resin are both used. It has a strong ‘green’ odor and is used as a fixative in perfume and incense³. See p. 95 The Aromatherapy Book for more background.

            Family ~ Galbanum is from Apiaceae or Umbelliferae,  a family of mostly aromatic flowering plants named after the type genus Apium and commonly known as the celery, carrot or parsley family, or simply as the umbellifers.

 Naming ~  Ferula means rod or like a walking stick and gummosa means that which is gummy.

 Countries of Origin ~ Galbanum comes from Europe, India, Turkey; and Eden Botanicals get their CO₂ from India and Iran (Persia).
There is the soft resin called ‘Levant’ that is a very viscous product like thick honey from SW Asia and the Middle East and the hard resin called Persian Galbanum which is a coarse grainy gravel-like substance that sticks together and is brittle and used for industry. (Ms. Grieve in her Modern Herbal says just the opposite, “There are two kinds of Galbanum in commerce, viz. Levant Galbanum and the Persian Galbanum. The latter is softer than the Levant, has a more terebinthic odor, has the smell and consistency of Venice turpentine …”.⁴

General description of plant, habitat & growth ~ Galbanum is a perennial plant growing to 1 meter by 1-meter. It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The scented flowers are hermaphrodite (that is, they have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by flies. The plant is self-fertile.          The plant soil must be well-drained. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires a rather dry soil.

Root of a Persian Galbanum courtesy of http://www.galbanum.org/

 

Portion of plant used in distillation, how distilled, extraction methods & yield ~ Galbanum, the aromatic oleo-gum-resin is obtained from wounds made in the stem and is one of the few plants whose roots are tapped for resin. The Galbanum resin occurs in the form of tears and lumps that are round, yellow to brown, translucent and about the size of a pea. It is collected by removing soil from around the top of the root and then cutting a slice off the root and can also be obtained from incisions made in the stem. It is used medicinally and is an important ingredient of the incense originally used by the Israelites.

         Yield ~ Galbanum gum contains the essential oil and upon steam-distillation yields 10-22% oil.

 

Contraindications ~ No hazards known.

Ferula gummosa from 1975-2017

 

Organoleptic Characteristics of Galbanum:

	Essential Oil – 2016 – Iran	Oleo-gum-resin from Iran
Color:	Colorless to greenish yellow	Black or very dark brown
Clarity:	clear	opaque
Viscosity:	Non-viscous to somewhat viscous	Very, very viscous
Taste:	Bitter and warm	bitter
Intensity of Odor:	2 and with great tenacity in a blend	1 with tenacity

 

Odor Description ~ The flowers when fresh are said to have an unpleasant smell — Roy Genders from Scented Flora of the World. The smell of Galbanum essential oil is green with subsidiary notes  that are woody and herbaceous, and back notes of leather, earth, musky, spice, conifer needles and even a bit of green citrus. I have had Galbanum since 1972 and have had the scent profiled in my classes since 2000. “Green” is the best description like green beans, green peas and cut grass and like the branches of the Giant Sequoia.

            A few compounds in low concentration are responsible for the interesting odor characteristics, e.g. 1,3(E),5(Z)-undecatriene (galbanolene), having a unique, transparent, marine, somewhat green and metallic odor, and 2-sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine (galbanum pyrazine), having a powerful pea-pod odor and a very low odor detection threshold.²   Of the chemicals that makes up the scent of galbanum, these two, isobutylpyrazine and sec-butylpyrazine make up the typical odor note of green bell peppers and green peas … so that is why we describe this odor as “green”.

 

 Solubility ~ Galbanum EO is soluble in 0.5 volume and more of 90% alcohol. On occasion some oils have been found to be hazy in 6-8 volumes of 90% alcohol but always clearly soluble in 10 volumes⁵ (that means add 10 times the weight of your sample in alcohol to clearly dissolve it).

 Chemistry and Chemical Components ~ The physical and chemicals composition of Galbanum has changed in the last 60 years, possibly because of the better transportation facilities.⁵ Ferula gummosa/galbaniflua is rich in monoterpenes, and sulfur. Monoterpenes such as β–pinene, α-pinene, and Δ3-carene and with over 84 bioactive constituents Galbanum essential oil also includes:α-terpinyl acetate,α-pinene, (Z)-β-ocimene, β-pinene, Δ3-carene, 2-isopropyl-3-methoxypyrazine and others.

 

Historical Uses ~ Pliny says that “Galbanum  should be neither moist nor dry … it is taken alone in drink and cureth cough, shortness of breath, and difficultie of wind… it is used outwardly applied for sciatica and pleurisy” and goes on to mention using it with Rose oil and Nard in the ears that run with matter.

Galbanum – Plinie’s Natural History – my copy 1601

 

Interesting Facts ~ The deep green aroma of Galbanum represents the element of air.  It is grounding, uplifting and balancing.  It rejuvenates aging skin and is used as a fixative in perfumery and aromatherapy.

            Galbanum oleo-gum-resin extract. This is a natural fatty gummy resin; the essential oil is steam-distilled from the resin. It has a strong green odor and is used as a fixative in perfume and incense. The gum has anti-inflammatory qualities that make it a wonderful aid for poor circulation and it can be used in hot compresses for most pain relief.

            The scent of Galbanum seems to have diminished over the years and now (2018) seems less intense than it once was. Why this should be may be the result of incorrect harvesting or over-harvesting or overuse. I have shown my collection of Galbanum oil from 1975 to the present, the color is slowly changing and not necessarily from age.

 

 

GENERAL PROPERTIES of GALBANUM

Antispasmodic, carminative, expectorant, stimulant, mild antiseptic, anti-spasmodic (ancient usage), decongestant, rubefacient, and as well as a slight anti-inflammatory activity.

 Properties (by IG=ingestion or IN=inhalation or AP=application):       

Application properties include mild stimulant and antiseptic and a slight anti-inflammatory action.

Ingestion ~ It can be a carminative and so edible uses do include its (the resin) use as a condiment as the gum resin obtained from the root has a celery-like food flavor. Do not ingest the essential oil.

Inhalation  ~ as an expectorant it promotes ‘spitting’ and is used for chronic bronchitis.

 

Physical Uses & How used (IG or AP):
Application/ Skincare  ~ The essential oil especially when used with Elemi in skin products is for revitalizing aging skin and in body care products to warm. It has soothing properties, especially on aching hands, feet or joints. Its anti-inflammatory qualities make it a wonderful aid for poor circulation and can be used in hot compresses for most pain relief.  Galbanum works on aging skin, wrinkles, acne and scar tissue; it is antiseptic and antimicrobial, wounds are more quickly healed.

 

Emotional/Energetic Uses (AP or IN) ~ I read in an article  (no author listed) that Galbanum was also widely used as a component of incense and is listed in the Holy Bible as part of the sweet spices used to make Holy Incense. Holy Incense was only made for holy communication and for worship … as it was believed to be free from evil. Its preparation required certain rituals and it was forbidden to make such incense just for the pleasure of the senses¹.          It is often recommended for use to heal childhood traumas. [In a quiet place, inhale the ancient scent of Galbanum while meditating on the trauma or walking a labyrinth, and removing the painful memory from your mind or at least parking it on the ‘shelf of healed memory’.]

Spiritual – Emotional blockages, negative energies, undergoing personal change, soul transformation.¹  Galbanum is mentioned in the bible as part of the ‘sacred incense’.

 

A Galbanum recipe by Jeanne Rose

Two drops rubbed over the body or added before a bath or shower can help to calm the mind, heal bruises, ease depression, soothe mood swings, ease PMS, relax from stress, fluid retention, eczema, abscesses, musculoskeletal, and conditions pertaining to a sluggish endocrine system.¹

 

SOLSTICE SCENT

 

 

Inhalation Formula ~ My 2016 Solstice Scent for both winter and summer solstice is to mix 16 drops of Xmas Fir (Abies grandis), 8 drops of Blood Orange (Citrus sinensis from Israel) and 8 drops Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica) and 4 drops of Galbanum. I prefer the essential oil over the CO₂ extract as it is more intense. But in any case, this mixture of conifer, citrus, fruity wood and green is very tenacious and a wonderful combination for inhalation or ritual work. There can be a power in the essential oils that may assist you in your rituals. I like this one for its green energy that uplifts and brings green life and green things to my world.

 

 

DIFFUSE/DIFFUSION ~ I suggest that you do not use this in a diffuser as it may gum up the works. Use it as it was meant to be by burning as a holy incense.

 

BLENDING & Perfumery  ~ Galbanum works well with any conifer and with other resinous oils and in particularly as a fixative for rich deeply fragrant scents, particularly those in which a ‘green’ scent is desired. Try it in blends and perfumes with Basil, Elemi, Firs, resins, Rose Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender of the soft floral type, Oakmoss, Rose, Violet leaf and Ylang Ylang.             Trying to make a floral perfume that resembles the Gardenia, a dab of Galbanum will be very helpful along with Rose, Jasmine sambac, Neroli, Rosewood, and a hint of Styrax.

 

HYDROSOL ~ I have never seen or used Galbanum hydrosol.

 

KEY USE ~ Perfume fixative and harmonizing agent.

 

Symbol for Juice or Sap

Jeanne Rose TOMATO TALES – GALBANUM

            Galbanum along with several other resinous oils, are some of my favorites. I admit to overusing them at an earlier time and with Galbanum that overuse makes me have a green odor, like a large bag of green beans, like mowed lawn, like a green bell pepper. My other most-favorite plant is the giant Sequoia, Sequoia giganteum. The Sequoia is a monstrous tree living high in the Sierras, over 36 feet in diameter, and the first branches occur high off the ground. I despaired of ever being able to know what that odor was but twenty years ago a friend got me a Sequoia seedling. I planted that and ten years later was forever happily surprised that the scent of the mighty Sequoia branches is the same scent as the Galbanum. Fallen limbs of the giant Sequoia are sometimes distilled for an essential oil.

 

 SCIENCE ARTICLES ~

1. Investigation of Compounds from Galbanum (Ferula gummosa) Boiss; F. Mortazaienezhad and M.M. Sadeghian; Abstract • Ferula gummosa Boiss. of Apiaceae family is a native wild plant of Iran, growing in the north and west mountainous regions at heights 1800-3000 m above sea level. It is propagated by the seeds at a temperature of below five degrees centigrade. The best planting season are October and November. The extract is used in the manufacture of bonds, textiles and cosmetics. Cut crosswise or longitudinally, the stem yields a sap containing a large quantity of essence, which can be extracted by water-based distillation. The fruit and leaves also contain some light-yellow essence containing nitrogenated and sulphurated compounds. Extracted and purified the essence yields the following components. (Distillation of fruit extract yielded 8.4% and that the leaves 0.845% essence). This study indicates that when extracted and purified, the sap of Ferula gummosa, thanks to its transparency and high-power bond, can be used to glue on gems and Jewelry. Finally, the extract is used in printing, textiles and perfumery industries. https://scialert.net/fulltextmobile/?doi=ajps.2006.905.906]

 

2. Antimicrobial evaluations exhibited that Galbanum oil had the best antimicrobial activity against MRSA and MSSA, followed by fennel and rosemary oil, respectively. http://biozoojournals.ro/bihbiol/cont/v5n1/bb.101102.Mahboubi.pdf

 

References:
¹ https://hwaairfan.wordpress.com/it-makes-good-scents/galbanum-oil/
²http://www.bojensen.net/EssentialOilsEng/EssentialOils12/EssentialOils12.htm
³Rose, Jeanne.  The Aromatherapy Book: Applications & Inhalations.  San Francisco, California:
⁴Grieve, Mrs. M. A Modern Herbal. Hafner Publishing Co. 1971 (1931)
⁵Guenther, Ernest.  The Essential Oils  Vol 4. p 645
Arctander, Steffen.  Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.
Harman, Ann. Harvest to Hydrosol
https://scialert.net/fulltextmobile/?doi=ajps.2006.905.906
Jessee, Jill. Perfume Album. Krieger Publishing. 1951.
Langenheim, Jean H. PLANT RESINS, Chemistry, Evolution, Ecology, Ethnobotany. Timber Press. 2003
Mabberley, D.J., Mabberley’s Plant Book, 2008 Third Edition with 2014 updates, Cambridge University Press
Maury, Marguerite. The Secret of Life and Youth.
Pliny. Plinie’s Natural History – my copy 1601
Rose, Jeanne.  375 Essential Oils and Hydrosols.  Berkeley, California: Frog, Ltd., 1999
Rose, Jeanne. Herbal Studies Course/ Jeanne Rose & Berkeley, California: North Atlantic Books, 1992.
http://www.iranicaonline.org/articles/galbanum-

Alchemical symbol for juice or sap

 

GALBANUM GREEN LIMERICK
There is a spring smell called green
It is just like a smelly green bean
Green smells Galbanum
Not like Labdanum
And the green smell makes quite the scene.

 

Sustainability: These items may not be sustainable in the amounts that are being used.
Endangered or not: Some of these plants are considered to be threatened and/or endangered due to heavy usage, people moving into the areas where they live and by over-tapping.
Do not Ingest essential oils: Although some oils are important flavoring oils in the flavor industry and thus ingested in very small amounts in many foods, especially meats and sausages, it is not a good idea to use them yourself either in capsules or honey to take internally.
Irritants: Some of the gums and resins can be quite irritating or sensitizing. Use the Patch Test before applying.
Safety Precautions: Do not apply the essential oil neat, especially to the underarms or delicate parts of the body. Most resinous oils are probably not to be used on babies, children or pregnant women. Many aromatherapists suggest that there are some oils not be used at all. However, as with many plants, essential oil chemistry is subject to change depending on species and terroir.
Patch Test:  If applying a new essential oil to your skin always perform a patch test to the inner arm (after you have diluted the EO in a vegetable carrier oil). —Wash an area of your forearm about the size of a quarter and dry carefully. Apply a diluted drop (1 drop EO + 1 drop carrier) to the area. Then apply a loose Band-Aid and wait 24 hours. If there is no reaction, then go ahead and use the oil in your formulas. —The Aromatherapy Book, Applications & Inhalations, p. 64

DISCLAIMER:  This work is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for accurate diagnosis and treatment by a qualified health care professional. Dosages are often not given, as that is a matter between you and your health care provider. The author is neither a chemist nor a medical doctor.  The content herein is the product of research and personal and practical experience. Institute of Aromatic & Herbal Studies  – Jeanne Rose©

Galbanum in the desert.

 Comments: I want to thank Eden Botanicals for their ongoing assistance to provide the new essential oils for these essential oil blog posts as well as their support to provide better information for the entire aromatherapy community.

 

Moderation in All Things.

Be moderate in your use of essential oils as they are just not sustainable for the environment.
Be selective and more moderate in your usage.
Use the herb first as tea or the infusion. —JeanneRose 2014