Galbanum is an aromatic gum resin, the product of certain umbelliferous Persian plant species, Galbanum-yielding plants grow plentifully on the slopes of the mountain ranges of northern Iran. It occurs usually in hard or soft, irregular, more or less translucent and shining lumps, or occasionally in separate tears, of a light-brown, yellowish or greenish-yellow color, and has a disagreeable, bitter taste, a peculiar, somewhat musky odor, an intense green scent.

History: Galbanum has been used as a medicinal and aroma therapeutic ingredient since ancient times. References to galbanum may be found in the Old Testament, in the writings of Hippocrates and in Pliny’s Natural History. It was used primarily as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant and antiseptic agent and as an anti-spasmodic treatment for women during childbirth. The ancient Egyptians imported mass quantities of galbanum from Persia, to use in their religious ceremonies, in embalming and as a therapeutic healing aid.

Uses & Benefits: Abscesses, acne, asthma, boils, bronchitis, catarrh, chronic coughs, cramps, cuts, digestive spasms, flatulence, inflammation, muscular aches, nervous tension, poor circulation, rheumatism, scar tissue, skin, stress related complaints, swollen glands, wrinkles and wounds.

It is mentioned as being used in the making of Ketoses which is used when referring to the consecrated incense described in the Hebrew Bible and Talmud. It is also referred to as the incense. It was offered on the special incense altar in the time when the Tabernacle was located in the first and Second Jerusalem Temples.

Hippocrates employed it in medicine, and Pliny ascribes to it extraordinary curative powers, concluding his account of it with the assertion that "the very touch of it mixed with oil of spondylium is sufficient to kill a serpent." The drug is occasionally given in modern medicine, in doses of from five to fifteen grains. It has the actions common to substances containing a resin and a volatile oil.

Fragrances for women that feature the perfume ingredient galbanum, Fresh Galbanum Patchouli, Prince Matchabelli Cachet, It Perfume Chocolate, Bill Blass Nude, Les Perfumes de Rosin Rose d'Amour, Molinari Les Flours, Fleur de Figurer, Issue Miyake A Scent.

Men's fragrances featuring galbanum in their scent composition include Etienne Angier Private Number, Serge Lutens Borneo 1834, Aram’s Devin, Miller Harris Patchouli, Laura Biagiotti Roma per Uomo, and Versace Blue Jeans for Men.

The benefits of galbanum essential oil were documented in Egyptian times and Ancient Rome. They used it as a natural muscle relaxant and antispasmodic; a cough remedy, and to help with tooth abscess pain relief. I personally have also used it as a natural anti-inflammatory and to help with tooth abscess.

Galbanum essential oil is ancient anointing oil and was commonly combined with frankincense as holy incense. Spiritually it was used to enhance meditation by the ancient Egyptians and by Moses and Christ. Holy incense was to be burned 24 hours a day in temple to ward off infection and promote healing.

Bcause galbanum is high in monoterpenes it is able to reprogram at a cellular level. One of the most interesting things to note about this oil, is the fact that is significantly increases the vibration frequency of other oils despite the fact that its own frequency is not very high (56).

Galbanum essential oil was holy anointing oil and was highly treasured for spiritual use going back to the time of the Egyptians. Use it for meditation and increasing spiritual awareness through the heart and crown chakras.

Because galbanum is high in monoterpenes it is able to reprogram at a cellular level. It helps us to let go of old ideas and belief systems and embrace new programming; especially those belief systems that are related to our religion or spirituality.

Because it is calming and grounding, it gently gives us direction and asks us to let go to the divine and open our hearts.