Description
Angelica essential oil is extracted from the plant Angelica archangelica (A. officinalis), of the Umbelliferae family. It is a sweet herbal smelling oil that has a spicy undertone and is also known as European Angelica.
Oil properties
It is of medium viscosity, and is extracted from the rhizome, the seeds and the herb itself.
Origin of Angelica oil
The plant is said to originate from Africa and 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, and is found in Scotland, Holland, Lapland and Germany.
It is called Angelica, since it normally flowers on the 8th May, which is St Michael the Archangel’s Day, and for this reason it is often planted in monasteries and is referred to as “Angel Grass”.
This herb is included in the famous Chartreuse and Benedictine liqueur. When the Black Plague swept Europe, the herb 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. It is also used to flavor gin, perfumes, and traditionally candied for cake decoration and confectionery.
It is a rather large, water-loving herb, with broad pointed leaves dividing into smaller leaflets and has small white-green flowers. It has a strong aromatic scent and a large rhizome.
Extraction
The oil is extracted from the roots, rhizome and seeds and steam distillation is employed to achieve this.
Chemical composition
The essential oil is composed of various chemical constituents such as; a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, a-phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, b-phellandrene, cis-ocimene, trans-ocimene, p-cymene, terpinolene, copaene, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, cryptone, b-bisabolene, rho-cymen-8-ol, humulene oxide, tridecanolide and pentadecanolide.
Precautions
Angelica oil oil may over stimulate the nervous system. The essential oil extracted from the root can cause photo-toxicity, which in turn could cause irritation should the skin be exposed to the sun.
Safety during pregnancy has not been determined and it should not be used by diabetics.
Therapeutic properties
The therapeutic properties of angelica oil are antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, hepatic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic
Uses
Angelica oil can be used to help in the treatment of 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
This oil is great for giving your constitution a boost by invigorating the lymphatic system. It generally detoxifies 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.
- Burners and vaporizers
- In vapor therapy, angelica oil can be used to help clear lungs, for bronchitis, pleurisy and to ease shortness of breath as well as asthma.
- Blended massage oil and in the bath
- Angelica oil can be used in blended massage oil, or in the bath, to assist in aiding the lymphatic system, detoxification, digestive problems, to help with colds and flu, as well as to fight fungal growths.
- Blended in a cream or lotion
- As a constituent of a cream or lotion, 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 – this aids in regulating and easing painful monthly periods.
Angelica oil blends well with
Although essential oils blend and mix well aroma-wise with one another, Angelica oil does go very well with basil, chamomile, geranium, grapefruit, lavender, lemon, mandarin and patchouli.
More information about Angelica Oil
Skin Care ~ Beneficial to revitalize dull & congested skin ~ helpful for psoriasis
Immune System ~ Strengthens & boosts ~ promotes all round health ~ helps reduce fever
Detoxification ~ Promotes urination & sweat ~ beneficial for toxin build-up & elimination, water retention ~ liver tonic
Digestive System ~ Supports a healthy digestive system ~ beneficial for indigestion, diarrhea, flatulence, nausea & stomach aches
Lymphatic System ~ Supports lymph movement
Musculoskeletal System ~ Beneficial for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, spasms, cramps ~ soothes muscles after exercise
Nervous System ~ Beneficial for nervous afflictions ~ relaxing effect on the mind & body ~ helpful for stress, shock, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, anger & hypertension ~ brings a peaceful sleep
Reproductive System ~ Balances irregular menstruation ~ relieves headaches, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting & fatigue
Respiratory System ~ Expectorant properties ~ clears out the accumulation of phlegm in the respiratory tracts ~ helps fight infections that cause colds ~ beneficial for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis & congestion in the lungs ~ improves & strengthens the breath
Energetics ~ Restores happy memories ~ offers emotional release ~ encourages comfort, focus, grounding, strength & stamina ~ used for rituals, purification & protection ~ used by those who feel uncertain or spiritually neglected ~ brings spiritual awareness & feelings of peace
Blends Well With ~Ambrette Seed, Amyris, Basil, Bergamot, Blood Orange, Cedarwood, Citronella, Clementine, Clary Sage, German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile, Fennel, Fir Needle, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Scented Tea Tree, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Mandarin, May Chang, Melissa, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Petitgrain, Pine, Roman Chamomile, Rose Geranium, Rosewood, Sage, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Spruce, Tangerine, Vetiver
Safety ~ Non-toxic & non-sensitising ~ do not use during pregnancy
