http://www.scents-of-earth.com/galbanum.html



I thought this might not be too off-topic. A lot of people have talked about how when Water Fasting they begin to feel like they are 'eating' through just the sense of smell. For me, smell is very acute anyway, and becomes moreso fasting. I would love to make my own incense...have always loved the pure resins and high-quality oils. This looks like a really good site for anyone interested in the same.


The interesting thing about the old pure resins is that they have some great medicinal qualities--such as to relieve anxiety, or muscle complaints... two things that might bother a water faster...

http://www.scents-of-earth.com/galbanum.html



Here is some information on one resin, for those that might want to explore this. I find, when water fasting, two things interest me a LOT. One is thinking about great food, and dreaming up new recipes, and the second is being surrounded by good smells. Flowers, incense. Both of these seem not to be luxuries, but true "food". As the saying goes, "Man does not live by bread alone". Flowers and resins bring a person to a place of a higher, purer vibration than the dense, stomach-centred one.



(Note: these resins can be easily burned on charcoal tablets or on a piece of mica. The site has lots of information, and is not merely an ad, nor am I affiliated with it.) This is just posted in the spirit of sharing something that might actually improve the experience of the Water Fast enormously. That is, there's no needto feel deprived!

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Galbanum resin - Ferula galbaniflua - from Turkey. Galbanum has long been valued for it's wonderfully complex green, spicy, woody, balsamlike fragrance.

The Egyptians imported Galbanum resin in vast amounts, it was among their most treasured incense ingredients.

Galbanum, also called "Mother resin", is discharged from the roots and lower trunk of this small wild plant. It originally grew in the Mesopatamia area and was exported to India, China, Israel and Egypt. Today Iran and Turkey are the primary sources of all Galbanum.

Galbanum was often used to relieve tensions due to anxiety and severe restlessness and to relieve muscle spasms. It was often used during childbirth.

Available in hard form only; dried and pliable. Family: Apiaceae

Synonyms: Ferula gummosa, Mother resin

Origin: Central Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Southern Russia

Parts Used: oleo gum resin

Aroma Description: powerful, complex, fresh, earthy, rich green, spicy, woody, balsamic-resinous fragrance.

Emotional Attributes: calming, relaxing, meditation, prayer, sleep

Cosmetic Uses: extensively used in perfumery

Culinary Uses: none known

Medicinal Attributes: used as a stimulant, antiseptic, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory. Used for bronchitis, asthma and externally to treat wounds, ulcers and other skin disorders. Also relieves indigestion and reduces muscle spasms


http://www.scents-of-earth.com/galbanum.html