Angelica

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.

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 flavour 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.

The therapeutic properties of angelica oil are antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, hepatic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic.

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, anaemia, anorexia, flatulence, indigestion, fatigue, migraine, nervous tension and stress related disorders.

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.

Blends well with

Basil, Chamomile, Geraninum, Grapefruit, Lavender, Lemon, Mandarin and Patchouli.

Precautions

Angelica 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.

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