Galbanum Essential Oil (Ferula gummosa)

Overview

Galbanum may also be referred to as Galbanum, galbanum gum, giant fennel, persian galbanum, galbanum resin, galbanum plant, baton gummy. It is typically processed using steam distilled or co2 select extraction as a method for extracting oil from the resin.

Summary

Galbanum oil comes from the Ferula gummosa plant. It has a spicy, woody scent. Galbanum essential oil is pale yellow to yellowish brown clear liquid that is extracted through steam distillation from resin ducts of the plant. Galbanum is a large perennial herb having smooth stem shiny leaflets with small flowers. It contains resin ducts that exude a milky juice, a natural oleoresin.

Essential Facts

Aroma Description:
Balsamic Earthy Fresh Green Spicy Woody
Common Name(s): Galbanum, galbanum gum, giant fennel, persian galbanum, galbanum resin, galbanum plant, baton gummy
Synonyms(s) for Ferula gummosa: Ferula erubescens, Ferula galbaniflua, Peucedanum galbanifluum
Botanical Family: Apiaceae
Botanical Genus: Ferula
Chemical Family: Monoterpenes
Major Compounds: B-Pinene, Gamma-3-Carene, a-Pinene, Sabinene, B-Myrecene, (+)-Limonene
Perfumery Note: Top
Consistency: Thin - Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils
Absorption Feel: Medium
Color: Pale yellow to yellowish brown clear
Indigenous Country: W. Asia - Central Iran, Turkey and southern Russia
Cultivation: Wild Harvested
Processing Methods: Steam Distilled or CO2 Select Extraction
Part Typically Used: Resin
Shelf Life: 3 - 4 years

Wild Harvested
Vegan

Essential Details

Benefits & Uses

Blends

Galbanum Blends:

Geranium Lavender Oakmoss Pine

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Galbanum:

Tisserand and Young do not indicate any special precautions when using Galbanum Oil. However, they precaution to avoid use of the oil if it has oxidized. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 290.]

Safety Precautions for Galbanum:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.

Botany

Botanical Description of Galbanum:

The gum resin obtained from the root is used as a celery-like food flavouring

History

History of Galbanum:

Galbanum was used by ancient civilizations as an incense. In Egypt, Galbanum was used along with Frankincense and Myrrh in baths, and in making perfume oils and cosmetics