10 Best Benefits of Galbanum Essential Oil

by Meenakshi Nagdeve last updated -

The health benefits of galbanum essential oil can be attributed to its potential properties as an anti-arthritic, anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, wound healing, circulatory, decongestant, detoxifier, emollient, insecticide, anti-parasitic, and vulnerary substance.

Galbanum is not anything new for us. It has been known since the times of the ancient Roman and Greek civilizations, where it was burnt in incense sticks, mixed in bath water, used in skin balms, and as a perfume. The fresh earthy and woody aroma of this oil brings pleasure to both the mind and soul. It is extracted by steam distillation of the resin that is obtained from the galbanum plant, which bears the scientific name Ferula galbaniflua. It is native to Iran and some of that nation’s neighboring countries. The chief constituents of galbanum essential oil are cadinene, cadinol, myrcene, and pinene. [1]

Health Benefits of Galbanum Essential Oil

Since we are more concerned with its medicinal properties than its aroma, let’s explore them.

Galbanum plant with yellow shrubs

Galbanum resin has been used as incense and perfumery since ancient times. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

May Stimulate Blood Circulation

Being a good circulatory stimulator and detoxifier, this oil may help cure arthritis and rheumatism by improving blood circulation in the body, particularly in the joints. It also promotes the removal of toxic or unwanted substances from the body such as excess water, salts, and uric acid (one of the prime causes of arthritis and gout).

May Relieve Spasms

The essential oil of galbanum may be particularly good at treating muscular spasms. All sportsmen and athletes should pay attention to this. Galbanum essential oil may be very good at relieving cramps or muscle pulls. It may relax the muscles and nerves, along with eliminating spasms. It is also effective on other kinds of spasms, such as those of the respiratory tracts, intestines, and nerves.

May Reduce Scar Marks

If you have any scars on your face (or anywhere else) and you desperately want to get rid of them, then you should try this essential oil. As a cicatrisant, it may diminish scars and the after marks left by acne, pimples, or pox on the skin. This oil speeds up the growth of new tissues and cells in the affected area, replacing the old and damaged scar tissues. The scars eventually vanish with repeated application and time.

Research published in the International Journal of Mycobacteriology arrived at the conclusion that the galbanum essential oil has antibiotic properties. Through aromatherapy, it can treat acne, boils, abscesses, mature skin, bronchitis, lice, cuts, rheumatism, scars, sores, muscle aches, stretch marks, poor circulation, and other wounds. [2]

Can Act as Decongestant

This oil has earned quite a good reputation as a decongestant and is found possibly effective in clearing up the congestion that results from bronchitis. Furthermore, it may clear congestion in the nasal tracts, bronchi, trachea, larynx, pharynx, and lungs. This makes breathing easier and helps ensure good sleep when someone suffers from a cough, cold, or bronchitis.

Can Detoxify the Body

This oil is a good remedy for boils, acne, and abscesses since it helps to remove the toxins from the blood. Furthermore, it regulates the production of certain hormones, which in turn affect the production of sebum from the sebaceous glands and helps get rid of skin conditions like acne.

May Rejuvenate the Skin

The essential oil of galbanum has certain effects on the skin that everyone desires. It may rejuvenate aging skin and gives it a younger and toned look. It may also pull up sagging skin, free it from wrinkles, and basically give you an organic facelift. Stretch marks and fat cracks on the skin are also diminished by this oil. Therefore, it is very beneficial for women who want to get rid of the abdominal fat cracks and stretch marks that often appear after delivery of a baby, after liposuction, or after a weight reduction regimen. It also keeps the skin smooth, shining, and free from infections.

Might Kill Insects

The smell of the essential oil of Galbanum may keep insects away. If used in incense sticks (as it has been used since ancient times), in room freshener sprays, or vapourizers, it can drive mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, and other insects away. It can also kill certain insects but is not that effective on cockroaches (Not surprisingly since cockroaches can survive nuclear explosions).

Research published in the Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants in 2017 found the galbanum essential oil was extremely toxic when used on the two-spotted spider mite, an agricultural pest. It was effective against both the adult mites and their eggs.   [3]

May Stimulate Circulation

Galbanum essential oil may promote and stimulate the circulation of blood and lymph in the body, thereby giving relief from the diseases arising from obstructed or improper circulation, such as rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.

Possibly Anti-parasitic Property

This oil is very effective in keeping away parasites on both humans and pets, such as louse, fleas, lice, bed-bugs, mosquitoes, and others. If added to bathing water or shampoo, it can help you get rid of the problem of lice in your hair.

May Speed up Healing

The essential oil of Galbanum is good for healing wounds. It does so by promoting the crowding of leucocytes and platelets in the wounded places, as well as by forming a protective covering against any sort of infection. It inhibits any kind of microbial (fungal or bacterial) growth in the wounded area and makes it heal faster. [4]

Other Benefits

This oil is used in the treatment of abscesses, acne, and boils due to its detoxifying properties. Just as it is effective in healing wounds, it is also beneficial in healing sores and ulcers, both internal and external. It is also good in giving relief from muscular aches and problems related with lymph. In aromatherapy, it is used to recover from shock, trauma, or depression.

A Few Words of Caution: No obvious threats have been found. Still, it should not be used indiscriminately or in very heavy dosages.

Blending: The essential oils of Carrot Seed, Geranium, Lavender, Spruce and Rose Otto form good blends with the essential oil of Galbanum.

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About the Author

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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