Angelica is a vigorous plant of the Apiaceae family, rapidly growing to six
feet or more in height and crowned during the flowering season with great
umbels of greeny-white flowers. The whole plant is strongly aromatic and the
flowers have a honey-like scent. It is native to Northern Europe, but
cultivated throughout the continent. Angelica essential oil is distilled
from the roots or seeds and is virtually colorless when fresh,
gradually darkening to a yellowish-brown. It has a very rich, pleasant aroma
and is used commercially in many liqueurs and aperitifs including Chartreuse
and Benedictine.
The essential oil of Angelica roots are used for healing in lots of
countries around the world due to its antispasmodic, carminative,
depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge,
nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic properties. In traditional
Lithuanian medicine, decoctions or the extracts of roots of Angelica are
used for healing various diseases such as bronchitis, laryngitis, gastritis,
nervous exhaustion, as well as remedies in conditions of the locomotor
systems. The preparations could be used both for external and internal
treatments.
Today, the medicinal use of Angelica essential oil mainly focuses on the
treatment of digestive and bronchial problems. A simple infusion of the
leaves is reported to aid digestion effectively. It can be used for lack of
appetite and dyspeptic complaints such as mild stomach cramps and
flatulence. Many related species, including Angelica sinensis, are
traditionally used in Chinese medicine and the latter occurs in about 70% of
all traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions to treat dysmenorrhea.
Angelica has spicy, pepper, terpentine-like, herbal top notes and earthy,
sweet, anisic undertones. The root oil has a stronger spicy aroma and is
more rooty.
Angelica essential oil enhances relaxation, sleep patterns, emotional
balance and even a sense of humor. It is famous for balancing and fortifying
as well as reliving depression.
Angelica oil is generally regarded as non-toxic and non-irritating;
however, it must be used carefully as it can overstimulate the nervous
system, and the root oil is photosensitive due to higher levels of
bergapten.
Do not take essential oils internally or use without the guidance of a
qualified practitioner. The information provided here is for general use
only and is not intended to replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
Pregnant women should always consult their physician prior to using.
