Aromatherapy Oils - Angelica

Botanical name: Angelica archangelica
Botanical family: Umbelliferae

Note: Base

Part of plant used: Root, biannually seeds are shot out

Origin: Syria, Northern Europe to the North Pole. Tough plants, prefers shady areas and plenty of running water. It used to be found on the banks of the river Thames in London. Cultivated in Belgium, France and Germany.

Description: Musky, balsamic aroma, heavy and sweet. Colorless and light, darkens with ages to a greeny color and a more musky smell.

History: Angelica came from Africa in the 16th century to Europe. Used by pagan Romania for mystical rituals. The Christians used it after the dark ages for the plague devastating Europe. Someone had a dream of an Archangel telling them to use Angelica to destroy the plague. The roots are used in Chinese remedies and used to be used in herbalism. It's translation in French is root of the holy ghost. It protects against evil spirits, enchantment, conjuring spells. Often used to flavor gin and perfumes and traditionally candied for cake decoration and confectionery.

Properties and Indications:

• Acts quickly on the nervous system
• Anorexia or sudden loss of weight
• Increases gastric secretions
• Anaemic people
• Cardiac - purifies the blood
• Anti-poison qualities - works on gout, arthritis, rheumatism
• Deep drainage - stimulates all organs to evacuate toxins
• Stimulates glandular and lymphatic systems - through this it helps to improve the immune system
• Chronic respiratory complaints with mucous

Personality:

• Weepy, sweet, frilly, clingy, despondent - over emphasized on the feminine side (both for men and women but not children)
• Nervous and frail types
• Weak people, tired and worn out (physically and emotionally)
• Melancholy, long term depression
• Deep stress - useful for someone who has had a deep setback or hard struggles (divorce, dealing with ill people, aching with no specific problem)

Contra-indications:

• Not to be used in pregnancy
• Not to be used if exposing yourself to the sun as angelica is photosensitive
• Do not use for diabetics
• Avoid if taking testerone (after a mastectomy or hysterectomy)

Blending:

• Bergamot, Grapefruit, Hyssop, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Orange, Mandarin, Neroli, Rose
• Can be used as a fixative for perfumes

Back to Aromatherapy Essential Oils