An ancient oil the galbanum plant belongs to the ferula family of plants originating in Iran, Turkey and Syria. The resin from the galbanum roots is first converted to a resinoid compound then extracted by steam distillation.
Traditionally galbanum has been used for making incense and is mentioned in the Book of Exodus 30:34 for this purpose. The ancient Egyptians highly favored galbanum as a holy plant aromatic and the reputed "green" incense of ancient Egypt is thought to be galbanum.
One of the oldest plant medicines Hippocrates used it as did Pliny the Elder, an author and naturalist during the early Roman Empire who ascribed "extraordinary curative powers" to galbanum.
Some of the
mythology associated with
galbanum has referred to it as
the sacred "mother resin."
Its musty green scent is
appreciated by perfumers and it
has been used for making fine
perfumes.
Galbanum has calming, balancing, and grounding effects upon the mind and emotions. It is useful for balancing extreme psycho-emotional states such as anger, frustration, hysteria or paranoia.
Its comforting scent may be enjoyed in a massage blend for relaxation and to release deep tension.
Topically galbanum oil's regenerative properties have been used successfully for treating skin disorders and inflammation. It may be useful for treating boils, abscesses, wounds, rheumatic type pain, edema and swelling, skin rash and acne.
Galbanum is said to help relieve pre-menstrual tension and strengthen female abdominal organs.
MONOTERPENE Archetype: Athlete
ELEMENTAL
POWER
Masculine, Strength, Courage,
Endurance, Stamina & Stability
MONOTERPENE
PROPERTIES
Actions & Effects include:
Stimulant -
an agent that quickens the
physiological functions of the
body, temporarily increases body
or organ function, good for
convalescence, poor circulation,
listlessness, physical fatigue
Tonic - strengthens and
enlivens the whole or specific
parts of the body
Rubefacient - Warming,
agent which reddens skin,
dilates vessels, increases blood
flow
Astringent - drying,
causes contraction of organic
tissues
Diuretic - increases
urine flow
Deodorizer - excellent
air freshener, airborne
deodorizer
Decongestant - entire
body
Expectorant - helps
promote the removal of mucus
from respiratory system,
stimulates the action of
decongestion for the entire
body, heals respiratory system
Antiseptic - helps
control infection
Anti-viral - prevents or
inhibits viral activity,
destroys virus
