Apiaceae
Galbanum
Ferula galbaniflua
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Iran, Lebanon, Syria
Also known as: Galbanum Resin, Persian Galbanum, Galbanum Gum
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Resin
Therapeutic Uses
Respiratory spasm, bronchitis, flatulence, skin wounds and scars (cicatrizant essential oil), muscle spasms. Historical medicinal resin mentioned in Torah (Ketoret incense). Primarily aromatic/cosmetic today.
Herbal Actions
Antispasmodic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, cicatrizant (wound healing)
Active Constituents
Sesquiterpenes (guaiol, delta-cadinene, bulnesol), monoterpenes (alpha and beta-pinene, myrcene), coumarins, galbanic acid, umbelliferone
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture⚗️ Essential Oil
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | Not applicable — resin form |
| Tincture | 1–2 ml (1:5, 80% ethanol), 2–3x daily |
| Notes | Primarily used in perfumery today (green, woody scent). Essential oil cicatrizant for scar healing. Antispasmodic for respiratory conditions. Limited modern clinical research. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Avoid therapeutic doses in pregnancy. Contact sensitization possible. Generally safe at low doses.
Side Effects: Contact sensitization. GI irritation at high doses. Rare allergic reactions.