Let’s talk Galbanum
Mentioned 1x directly + 54x indirectly = 55x Chemistry: Monoterpenes-75%, Sesquiterpenes-4%
Source: Gum Resins in stems and branches
(Ferula gummosa) Family Apiaceae (parsley)
Application: Topical, Aromatic, Ingestible
Galbanum (Ferula gummosa) has an earthy aroma. It was used in ancient temple ritual incense anointings associated with springtime. Galbanum supports the immune, digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and other body systems.* It is also useful as an aid for troubled or mature skin. Galbanum has an approximate ORAC of 261,826 (TE/L). TE/L is expressed as micromole Trolox equivalent per liter.
The whole plant abounds with a milky juice, which oozes from the joints of old plants, and exudes and hardens from the base of the stem after it has been cut down, then is finally obtained by incisions made in the root. The juice from the root soon hardens and forms the tears of the Galbanum.
Photo Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/144396731777194912/
I do like the smell of Galbanum. It’s a “green” smell, if a scent can have a color. It takes me back to my childhood of caring for plants and playing in the dirt. Not fresh dirt though, some that had been seasoned or collected from a transplant. It smells like my childhood.
For those of you that know me and my story, I grew up working and helping out with our family business. We grew and sold bedding plants. As long as I can remember the act of transplanting is my childhood memory. A one point growing up with had 9 greenhouses in our backyard. We played hard and worked hard in those greenhouses. Smelling Galbanum takes me back in time… I now want to go build a greenhouse…
Let’s take a look at the 1 verse directly mentioning Galbanum
Exodus 30:34-36 (ESV)
34 The Lord said to Moses, “Take sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part), 35 and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. 36 You shall beat some of it very small, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I shall meet with you. It shall be most holy for you.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary: The incense which was burned upon the golden altar was prepared of sweet spices likewise, though not so rare and rich as those of which the anointing oil was compounded, Exod. 30:34, 35. This was prepared once a year (the Jews say), a pound for each day of the year, and three pounds over for the day of atonement. When it was used, it was to be beaten very small: thus it pleased the Lord to bruise the Redeemer when he offered himself for a sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour. 3. Concerning both these preparations the same law is here given (Exod. 30:32, 33, 37, 38), that the like should not be made for any common use.
I can’t help but think about our lives in relation to this verse “35 and make an incense blended as by the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.” What if our relationship with God was a sweet aroma that scented everywhere we went? Would others enjoy that aroma and seek to have it in their lives?
I pray that we all can work on having a stronger relationship with God, making our relationship like a sweet aroma, blended by the Holy Spirit, Seasoned with His Word, reflecting Christ in all we say and do.
Fun Facts: Purfumes high in Galbanum: Chanel No.19 Givenchy III, Roadster by Cartier and Private Collection (parfum) by Estee Lauder, O de Lancome, Miller Harris Fleurs de Bois, Laura Ashley No. 1
Source: http://www.basenotes.net/threads/231429-Galbanum
Ancient Uses of Galbanum: Holy anointing oils, various medicines, perfume, spiritually uplifting yet grounding, pain relief, spasms and cramps, diuretic.
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