Last Updated on October 13, 2018 by Marc Seward

Angelica Essential Oil

Angelica essential oil is derived from the either the seeds or the roots of the Angelica archangelica plant which grows in the damp soil of mainly northern European countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

Also known as Holy Ghost, Norwegian angelica and wild celery the plant has long been valued as a medicinal plant. In tradition al European medicine, it has been used internally in tea and tincture form to treat respiratory disorders as well as digestive complaints. It has also been used to treat fevers, infection and problems with the nervous system.

Did you know that during the Black Plague, angelica root was considered to be a cure for Plague. Its roots and seeds were burned across Europe to cleanse the foul air. Later, during the 17th century, Angelica root water was used in a similar way in London.

These days it is used in aromatherapy for a variety of conditions including emotional issues and digestive complaints.

Therapeutic Properties

Angelica essential oil is composed of a number of chemical constituents including alpha pinene, beta pinene, sabinene, camphene and bornyl acetate.

It gets its medicinal benefits from an array of therapeutic properties including anti-spasmodic, digestive, carminative, nervine, expectorant and relaxant properties.

Angelica Essential Oil Benefits

Angelica essential oil may not be among the most popular oils but it has an impressive range of medicinal properties which make it worth considering as a new addition to your essential oils collection.

1. For Better Digestion

Good digestion is key to good health and Angelica essential oil can help you to restore your digestive health very effectively. Angelica essential oil has anti-spasmodic and carminative properties that can help settle your stomach and relieve numerous ailments.

Because of its ability to combat spasms, it can effectively ease cramping in the stomach as well as in other parts of the body. Its carminative actions can also help relax your intestinal walls which allows food and gases to travel through the intestines more easily.

This can help treat common, uncomfortable conditions like indigestion, gas and bloating. It can also help regulate the levels of bile and acid in the stomach which in turn improves your overall ability to digest your food efficiently.

2. Detoxification

Because we are constantly bombarded with environmental and dietary toxins, our body’s major organs like the liver and kidney tend to be overworked. This can lead to illness and fatigue and it is a good idea to try to flush the toxins from your system every now and again to keep your body in the best condition possible.

There are several reasons why angelica essential oil can help you to detoxify your body. First of all it has diaphoretic properties which basically means that it helps you to sweat. While we often consider sweating to be a nuisance, it performs a valuable function in eliminating many unwanted substances from the body including uric acid, fats, sebum and other toxins.

Secondly, angelica essential oil acts as a natural diuretic meaning that it increases the quantity and frequency of urination which can help purify your system. These functions mean that angelica oil can help purify the body and fight off damage to the kidneys as well as protecting against health problems like rheumatism, gout and kidney stones.

3. Respiratory Conditions

If you are prone to suffering from congestion and other respiratory issues associated with sicknesses like the cold, flue and bronchitis then angelica essential oil may provide a natural solution.

Angelica oil is considered to have expectorant properties which basically means that it can be inhaled to clean phlegm and mucus from the respiratory tract.

• While diffusing the oil and inhaling it directly are both effective, the best way to treat your congestion is to add a few drops to a bowl of hot water and inhale the rich, steamy vapors.
• Combining your angelica oil with peppermint or eucalyptus oil will give even better results and you should be breathing more easily in no time at all.

4. For Fevers

One of the traditional uses of angelica root was to treat fevers and chills caused by infection like the flu and cold. The essential oil of angelica can help fight fevers because of its ability to promote sweating and urination and the way in which it helps excrete toxins from the body.

5. For Stress and Anxiety

Like so many essential oils, angelica oil is widely used in aromatherapy to treat emotional problems as well as nervous conditions like stress or anxiety. When diffused or inhaled, angelica essential oil can promote feelings of calm and peace as well as helping to eradicate general feelings of negativity. It has a warm, musky and earthy aroma that many people respond well to and when diffused around the home can bring positivity, calm and joy.

There are several ways that you can use angelica oil to improve your emotional wellbeing.

• Diffusing the oil is an excellent option as is direct inhalation.
• Alternatively you can add a few drops to your pillow at night or a few drops to your bath and allow this wonderful oil to wash over your body and mind.

6. Circulation

While angelica oil can have a calming effect on the mind, it has a contrasting stimulating effect on your body. It can help improve the circulation of your blood, as well as the secretion of vital bodily enzymes and juices all of which contributes to better digestion, excretion and overall health.

7. Menstrual symptoms

Angelica essential oil has natural emmenagogue properties which makes it an excellent choice for women who are suffering from the many symptoms thrown at them each menstrual cycle.

It is thought to improve menstrual regularity as well as numerous symptoms of the period including cramps, bloating, fatigue and mood issues. Angelica essential oil can also effectively deal with hormonal headaches and nausea.

8. For Headaches

Whether your headache is caused by hormones, sinus problems or migraines, angelica essential oil is an effective remedy. If you feel a headache coming on try massaging a few drops into your temples or simply inhaling it directly from the bottle or hands.

9. For the Skin

Angelica oil is generally considered to be safe for topical use but should always be diluted properly with another skin friendly base oil like coconut oil or almond oil. After dilution, you can apply it gently to your face to rejuvenate the appearance of your skin and give it a healthier glow.

Try combining a few drops of angelica oil with an equal amount of frankincense oil if you want to give your face an extra special treat.

Bear in mind that angelica oil may be photosensitive which means that direct exposure to the sun can cause a serious reaction. To guard against this, make sure that you do not expose your skin to direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after applying it.

How to Use it

There are many ways in which you can use angelica essential oil depending on the ailment you are treating. These include the following:

• Inhalation– You can safely inhale angelica oil from the bottle or from a piece of material to fight stress and anxiety as well as respiratory problems.
• Diffuse- diffuse your angelica oil around the home and office to lift your spirits.
• Massage-add a few drops of angelica oil to a carrier oil and make a lovely, soothing massage oil to help digestion and improve circulation.
  For menstrual problems-dilute your oil and massage it into the abdomen each evening or add a few drops to a warm compress and apply it against your stomach.
• Bath-add a few drops to your bath to deal with emotional and several physical health issues.

Side Effects and Precautions

Angelica essential oil is generally considered safe to inhale and use topically but there are some safety issues to consider.

• Don’t take angelica oil internally unless you are under expert supervision.
•  Angelica essential oil is not safe for diabetics or pregnant women and should be avoided.
• Allergic reaction may occur when applied topically especially if the oil is used neat so always dilute it properly and perform a patch test first.
• Angelica essential oil can increase photosensitivity so avoid exposing your skin direct sunlight for at least 12 hours after use.