Galbanum Essential Oil Benefits: Nature's Gift For Health And Wellness
Galbanum essential oil is an aromatic resin obtained from a plant called Ferula galbaniflua, which grows in the Middle East as well as in southern Russia. The main ingredients of this substance are sesquiterpenes and monoterpenes, meaning that its chemical makeup is similar to the essential oils of rosemary, birch, and camphor. Galbanum essential oil has many all-star qualities, from being an astringent for skin and hair to balancing hormones when used in aromatherapy.
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However, it's not always easy to find a good quality product. To get the most out of this deceptively simple substance, it's important to do your research before you buy. The scent can vary tremendously depending on the growing region and time of harvest for the plant - which is why it's best to stick with a company that uses a high-quality extraction process. It's also vital to know the difference between pure essential oils and synthetic derivatives, which can contain toxins and other nasty substances.
Remarkable Benefits Of Galbanum Essential Oil:
1) Aromatherapy
Galbanum essential oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties. It can be used in aromatherapy treatments for dry skin (e.g., psoriasis), acne, eczema, and oily hair. Galbanum is a component of "double charcoal", "methi" or shikakai, which is one of the few Ayurvedic herbal oils that are still being used in mainstream Indian medicine. Studies have found that this substance helps to purify the blood and organs, it's traditionally used to treat jaundice.
2) Fights Colds And Flu
Recent research has found that this substance helps to reduce inflammation and clear harmful mucus from respiratory organs. It's also been used as a diuretic, or substance that promotes urination - which means it can help flush out toxins in the kidney and bladder.
3) Supports Healthy Digestion
Galbanum oil has an anti-spasmodic property, which means that it can stop intestinal cramps and heal inflammation due to parasites, a bloated abdomen, or constipation.
4) Alleviates Anxiety
This substance reduces mental stress by balancing the nervous system and promoting feelings of tranquillity. It also relieves depression and promotes overall calm.
5) Balanced Hormones
Studies have found that galbanum essential oil can help regulate estrogen levels. It's been used as a treatment for menopause, to reduce the symptoms of PMS and adjust hormone balance.
6) Galbanum Essential Oil Alleviates Inflammatory Skin Conditions
This substance can be used for treating acne, eczema, dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. It can also help with scarring and promote healthy skin tissue development in case of burns or wounds (e.g., acne).
7) Galbanum Essential Oil Serves As A Natural Tooth Whitener
This substance has antibacterial properties that help to prevent tooth decay. It's also been used by many cultures for centuries as an alternative to mercury dental fillings, which is why it's called "Indian borax".
8) Helps To Detoxify The Body
It supports the liver and gallbladder's function to eliminate harmful substances from the body. It's also used as a diuretic, which helps to filter out toxins in the kidney and bladder, and it reduces the risk of stones forming.
9) Helps To Balance Female Hormones
This substance is traditionally used for treating PMS and regulating estrogen levels. It's also been used as a remedy for premature menopause, irregular periods, infertility, and amenorrhea (no menstruation).
10) Galbanum Essential Oil Combats Depression
This substance has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to alleviate stress and depression. It's also been used as a treatment for insomnia due to its sedative properties. It promotes deep sleep and reduces the negative emotions that often accompany insomnia, such as irritability and restlessness.
How Is Galbanum Essential Oil Extracted?
Step 1: Harvesting: The plant is harvested from July to September when the resin switches from green to yellow-brown. It's important to make sure that the process is done ethically and sustainably, so only wild-growing plants should be used.
Step 2: Crushing And Boiling: The resin is crushed into a pulp and boiled in water for several hours, which allows the essential oil to seep out of the resin. The resulting liquid (called "tending") is then strained through a sieve for clarity.
Step 3: Distillation Process: As the steam rises from the tending liquid, it passes over lime water in an alembic (a type of distillation device). This removes any unpleasant smells and residue from the essential oil. The steam then rises into a collection vessel where it's cooled, leaving behind the galbanum essential oil.
The resulting product is extremely pure with a clear, slightly yellow color and an unmistakable odor. It should be stored in dark glass bottles to avoid light exposure, which will alter its composition over time.
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Step 4: Extra Processing: The pure, high-quality essential oil should not be adulterated with other substances that may be cheaper to produce and save on costs for the manufacturer - but this reduces the therapeutic benefits of the substance considerably.
To ensure that you're getting a quality product, look for companies that perform third-party testing of their products.
DIY Recipes Of Galbanum Essential Oil For Health Benefits:
Recipe 1: Oil Mix For Skin Benefits
Ingredients:
- 7 drops of galbanum essential oil,
- 5 drops of lavender essential oil,
- 1 drop of rosemary essential oil, and
- 1 teaspoon of jojoba oil.
Method:
- This recipe is good for skin care.
- Mix all the ingredients well and apply on the skin daily or as needed.
Recipe 2: Shampoo Mix With Galbanum Essential Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of castile soap (e.g., Dr. Bronner's),
- 2 tablespoons of tea tree oil,
- 2 drops of galbanum essential oil, and
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil (e.g., olive oil).
Method:
- Add all the ingredients to a smooth hair shampoo formula.
- Apply a few times per week for healthy hair growth.
Recipe 3: Galbanum Essential Oil For Relief From A Cold Or Flu
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of galbanum essential oil,
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil (e.g., olive oil), and
- 3 tablespoons of water.
Method:
- 3 tablespoons of water.
- Use it for relief from upper respiratory problems, bronchitis and asthma, sinus infections, coughs, and other cold symptoms.
FAQs:
1) Is galbanum essential oil safe?
Galbanum is generally considered to be safe for most people when used in moderation. However, it can trigger some side effects such as skin irritation, itching, and skin rashes due to the presence of aromatic terpenes in the substance. Some people may also experience dizziness or light-headedness after using galbanum essential oil, especially those who have low blood pressure. If you use a galbanum essential oil that's contaminated with synthetic ingredients, it could also cause severe allergic reactions. So make sure to always buy this product from trusted manufacturers and follow recommended usage directions.
2) Is it effective to treat eczema with galbanum essential oil?
Galbanum essential oil is considered to be effective for treating eczema because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Some people have reported that it even helps to heal the scars from their skin conditions naturally. The substance should start working almost immediately after application, so you may see changes in your skin and body quickly if you apply the oil topically. However, it can take up to 2 weeks or longer for the full effect to be felt.
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