Scent Almanac

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Galbanum

Galbanum

Ferula gummosa

Top note Green Resinous & amber Essential oil

Intensely green and bitter, like snapped green-pepper stems and crushed leaves, with a piney-balsamic undertone. Harsh neat, magical in a trace.

Made from
Steam-distilled from the gum resin tapped from the stems and roots of an Iranian relative of fennel.
Strength
●●●●● a little goes a long way
Cost
Pricey
Moods
RefreshingGroundingFocusing
Seasons
Spring
Rooms
Living room, Office, Entryway
No special cautions at normal use.

How it behaves

CandlesWorkable

Add it a drop at a time. A trace makes floral and fig blends smell dewy and green, and more makes them harsh.

Wax meltsWorkable
Reed diffuserGood

Works well at a small percentage of a green floral blend.

Room & linen sprayGood
Electric (water) diffuserWorkable
Cold-process soapWorkable
Melt-and-pour soapGood
Laundry & cleaningWorkable

Pairs well with

Rose
Rose
Middle · Floral
Absolute / CO2
Lavender
Lavender
Middle · Floral
Essential oil
Neroli
Neroli
Top · Floral
Essential oil
Geranium
Geranium
Middle · Floral
Essential oil
Vetiver
Vetiver
Base · Earthy
Essential oil
Frankincense
Frankincense
Base · Resinous & amber
Essential oil
Fig Leaf
Fig Leaf
Middle · Green
Fragrance oil
Violet
Violet
Middle · Floral
Fragrance oil
Bergamot
Bergamot
Top · Citrus
Essential oil
Jasmine
Jasmine
Middle · Floral
Absolute / CO2

Don't have it? Try Tomato Leaf.

A little lore

Galbanum is one of the ingredients named for the holy incense in the Book of Exodus.

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