Galbanum Essential Oil

Botanical Name: Ferula galbaniflua

Also known as the Galbanum gum tree, Galbanum is actually a perennial shrub in the Umbelliferae family (along with Fennel, Aniseed, and Angelica). Native to the Middle East and western Asia, it is now more commonly cultivated in Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan and Lebanon.

The resin is extracted through by making small incisions in the bark at the base of the plant, much in the same way Frankincense and Myrrh is harvested. The droplets of resin dry into hard, walnut-sized brown exudates that are collected and distilled into essential oil.

This Galbanum essential oil is pale yellow in color, sourced from the resin of organically cultivated Iranian Galbanum and distilled using C02. The C02 process allows more of the molecular structure to remain intact; it involves no heat and requires only one state change (from solid to liquid, rather than becoming gaseous then a liquid). Resins used for medicinal-grade oils (Frankincense, Myrrh) should be distilled in this manner to retain the full spectrum of beneficial properties.This oil has an intense green, pine, turpentine-like middle notes with tangy balsamic and deeply wooded undertones. The CO2 distillation process smooths out of the aroma and presents its complexity.

It acts well as a strong base note and blends well with Hyacinth, Violet, Narcissus, Lavender, Geranium, Oakmoss, Pine, and Fir.

Galbanum resin was used as a part of 'holy' incense (mentioned in Exodus), and included in ancient Egyptian cosmetic and embalming preparations.

Eastern medicine uses Galbanum for healing wounds, inflammations, respiratory and digestive complaints.

Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Carminative, Cicatrisant, Digestive, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Restorative. (See Definitions.)

Muscles & Joints:

• Increases circulation of blood
• Reduces aches and pains in joints and muscles
• Can aid with arthritic pain

Skin:

• Speeds healing in wounds and cleans out infections
• Reduces swelling and irritation associated with acne, boils and abscesses
• Tones the skin, thereby smoothing wrinkles and aiding with cellulite

Respiratory:

• Opens the lungs and airways; aiding with asthmatic conditions, allergy congestion and chronic coughs
• Antibacterial properties aid with conditions such as bronchitis and tonsillitis

Digestive:

• Aids with cramping of the stomach and intestines
• Settles indigestion
• Calms flatulence

Nervous System:

• Eases nervous tension
• Reduces stress

Psychological:

• Energetically grounding and calming

Topical:

• Massage directly onto points of stiffness, inflammation or pain

Inhalation:

• 1-2 drops in 10oz of water in a humidifier or nebulizing diffuser

Internal:

• 1 drop in a cup of water for a few days. If the condition worsens or is persistent, consult a physician.

Galbanum essential oil is non-toxic, a non-irritant and non-sensitizing when used in proper proportions. If pregnant or breast-feeding, consultation with a physician is recommended.

Synergy Essentials Geranium absolute: deep green in color, it has an outstanding mixture of minty, herbaceous, cedar and deeply rounded sweet balsamic notes resulting from the cold-process absolute extraction.