Angelica essential oil is extracted from the plant Angelica archangelica (A. officinalis). It belongs to the Umbelliferae family and has a sweet-smelling herbal oil with a spicy undertone. It’s also known as European Angelica.
Oil properties: Angelica essential oil has a medium viscosity, and is extracted from the rhizome, the seeds and the herb itself.
Origin of angelica oil: Angelica is thought to originate from Africa. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. It is considered a native plant of northern and eastern Europe as well as parts of Asia and the Soviet Union. You can also find it in Scotland, Holland, Lapland and Germany.
The plant is called Angelica because it normally flowers on the 8th May, which is St Michael the Archangel’s Day. For this reason it is often cultivated in monasteries, where it is referred to as “Angel Grass”.
Angelica is included in the famous Chartreuse and Benedictine liqueur and when the Black Plague swept Europe it was considered an antidote for it, and “Angelica Water” was taken up in a Royal Prescription and published by the College of Physicians when the plague swept London in 1665. Angelica is also used to flavor gin, perfumes, and traditionally candied for cake decoration and confectionery.
Angelica is a large, water-loving herb that has broad pointed leaves that divide into smaller leaflets. It has small white-green flowers that have a strong aromatic scent and a large rhizome.
Extraction: Angelica essential oil is extracted from the roots, rhizome and seeds. Generally via steam distillation.
Chemical composition: Amgelica essential oil is composed of several chemical constituents including:
- Angelic acid
- Bergaptene
- Borneol
- Linalool
- Limonene
- Phellandrene
- Pinene
- Sesquiterpenes
- Sitosterol
- Phenolic acids
- Coumarins and Angelicin.
Precautions: Angelica oil has the potential to over stimulate the nervous system and the essential oil extracted from the root can cause photo-toxicity which, in turn, could cause irritation when the skin is exposed to the sun.
Agelica essential oil safety during pregnancy has not been determined. It should also be avoided by diabetics.
Angerlica Therapeutic properties: The therapeutic properties of Angelica essential oil include the following: an antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, diuretic, expectorant, hepatic, stimulant, stomachic, and a general tonic.
Uses of Angelica Essential Oil: Angelica oil can be used to help in the treatment of the following problems: dull congested skin, irritation, psoriasis, accumulation of toxins, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, water retention, bronchitis, coughs, anemia, anorexia, flatulence, indigestion, fatigue, migraine, nervous tension and stress related disorders.
Summary
Angelica essential oil is great for giving your constitution a boost by invigorating the lymphatic system and general detoxification of the body. It can also be used to great effect on respiratory ailments and is a great help in stomach related problems including flatulence, dyspepsia, nausea, discomfort and indigestion.
In vapor therapy (using burners and vaporizers), Angelica oil may be useful for clearing the lungs and treating the sympotms of bronchitis and pleurisy and for easing shortness of breath.
Angelica essential oil can be used in blended massage oil, or in the bath to assist in aiding the lymphatic system, detoxification, digestive problems, helps with colds and flu as well as fighting fungal growths.
As a constituent of a blended base cream, Angelica oil can be used to assist with circulation, arthritis, gout, sciatica, migraines, colds and flu as well as helping to encourage the natural production of estrogen and this aids in regulating and easing painful monthly periods.
