Galbanum (ferula gummosa) is one of the most famous scent materials from antiquity. It is noted for its medicinal properties by Hippocrates and Pliny. Most importantly, it is one of the materials of the sacred incense burned only in the holiest sanctuary described in the Hebrew Bible.

Galbanum is an oleo-gum-resin, with low gum levels in perfumery grade, material obtained from several different ferula species, which grow wild in Iran and less notably in other countries in the region. The scent is striking, less intense than Angelica, but a burst of green that some describe as reminiscent of green bell peppers, salad, and pine resin.

Arctander writes of its use in fine perfumery, “ Galbanum oil finds extensive use … in compositions of chypre, fougere, pine, forest, moss, etc., and it will introduce interesting notes in many florals where its leafy character is necessary in the completion of a true naturalness: hyacinth, violet, narcissus, lavender, gardenia, etc.” Galbanum resinoid is less widely used, but still an important product with more coniferous scent than the steam-distilled essential oil.

Galbanum was used most famously in Chanel #19, launched in 1971, in which the green galbanum was paired with a strong leather note against a floral and musky background. The current formulations do not retain the intense green note that made the perfume’s reputation, opting instead for softer floral presentations. Check out our Top 10 Galbanum Perfumes.

Galbanum Oil Aromatic Properties and Chemical Composition

It is difficult to say exactly what the aromatic properties are of galbanum oil as each producer will exclude a portion of the distillate across the distillation period.

Piney, Bright: Almost 3/4 of the complete distillation is made up of alpha- and beta-pinene

Citrus, Floral: delta-3-carene lends a refined citrus floral similar to limonene, but not as loud and with a more terpenic, piney effect

Green, Bell Pepper, Fresh, Waxy: cis- and trans-undecatriene provide the characteristic galbanum fresh green scent.