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.

The Latin name Ferula derives in part from Ferule which is a schoolmaster's rod, such as a cane, stick, or flat piece of wood, used in punishing children. A ferula called narthex (or Giant fennel), which shares the galbanum-like scent, has long, straight and sturdy hollow stalks, which are segmented like bamboo. They were used as torches in antiquity and it is with such a torch that, according to Greek mythology, Prometheus, who deceived his father stealing some of his fire, brought fire to humanity. Bacchae were described using the bamboo-like stalks as weapons. Such rods were also used for walking sticks, splints, for stirring boiling liquids, and for corporal punishment. Some of the mythology may have transferred to the related galbanum which was referred to as the sacred “mother resin”.

Galbanum has numerous medicinal purposes. It has been used in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne and inflammations; it aids in the healing of scar tissue and toning the skin. Galbanum is a natural aid for the body's circulation, muscles and joints, and the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, having been used for poor circulation, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, indigestion, stomach cramps, nervous tension and stress-related complaints. Galbanum was used by ancient civilizations as incense. Egypt used it in cosmetics. Inhabitants of the East used Galbanum for treating wounds, skin disorders, and respiratory, digestive, and nervous complaints. Anti-infectious, Analgesic, Antispasmodic (light), Stimulant, Supports the kidneys and helps during menstruation.

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.

Because 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).

Benefit & Uses: Galbanum was highly treasured as a sacred substance by the ancient Egyptians. The “green” incense of Egyptian antiquity is believed to have been galbanum. Galbanum resin has a very intense green scent accompanied by a turpentine odor. The initial notes are a very bitter, acrid, and peculiar scent followed by a complex green, spicy, woody, balsam like fragrance. When diluted the scent of galbanum has variously been described as reminiscent of pine, evergreen, green bamboo, parsley, green apples, musk, or simply intense green. The oil has a pine like top note which is less pronounced in the odor of the retinoid. The latter, in turn, has a more woody balsamic, conifer resinous character. Galbanum is frequently adulterated with pine oil.

It is said to have anti-spasmodic property and considered an intermediate between Ammoniac and Asafetida for relieving air passages. It is especially good for some forms of hysteria and can be used externally as a poultice for inflammatory swellings. 

Galbanum oil has been used for years as a preservative and as part of cosmetic preparations. It may help speed healing of skin wounds and infections that are otherwise slow to heal.

Galbanum essential oil was esteemed for its medicinal and spiritual properties as mentioned in Exodus 30:34.  Egyptian papyri records use of Galbanum as well as ancient Roman historians record use for it as antispasmodic, diuretic, and pain relieving properties.

 

Galbanum may also help with abscesses, acne, asthma, bronchitis, chronic coughs, cramps, cuts, indigestion, inflammation, muscular aches and pains, nervous tension, poor circulation, rheumatism, scar tissue, stress, wrinkles, and wounds.