Galbanum is distilled from the resin of a perennial shrub, much in the way of Frankincense and Myrrh. The shrub is native to the Middle East, where this resin-source originates. The resin is collected by incisions at the base of the plant; the resin itself has a very intense turpentine scent, with the CO2 distillation lending to smoothing out of the aroma and presenting a lovely, complex aromatic generally used as a fixative or base note in blends.

Galbanum resin was used historically as a part of 'holy' incense (mentioned in Exodus), or included in cosmetic and embalming preparations. The resin (and the CO2 distillation which brings in much of the larger therapeutic molecules into the essential oil) has been used to treat skin wounds and infections, other skin disorders, and for respiratory, digestive and nervous system ailments. In these cases, it is anti-infectious, and can speed healing.

Galbanum as an aromatic can be energetically grounding, and often plays this role in blends with floral, herbaceous and evergreen needle oils.