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