Guide To Angelica Essential Oil and Its Benefits and Uses

Angelica essential oil (Angelica archangelica) comes in two varieties: angelica root and angelica seed.

"Encaptured within [the] powerful fragrance [of angelica root] is the possibility to draw close to us those angelic forces that are receptive to our needs," writes Valerie Ann Worwood in Aromatherapy For the Soul. Worwood says the spiritual benefits of angelica root essential oil are to encourage strength, stamina, comfort, focus, solidity, grounding, and inner visions.

She also writes, "With gracefulness, angelica seed gently persuades the spirit to partake in the feast of the universe." Angelica seed encourages inspiration, creativity, focus, concentration, and inner vision.

Basic Angelica Facts

Plant family: Apiaceae/Umbelliferae

Production: Two essential oils are steam distilled from the angelica plant: Angelica root from the roots and angelica seed from the seeds.

Aroma: The root oil has a musky, earthy, rooty aroma, while the seed oil is lighter, fresh, and spicy.

Perfume/Aromatic Note: Middle.
 
Is angelica safe to use during pregnancy? No.

Is angelica essential oil safe for children? Yes, well diluted.

Cautions:

• Angelica root can cause skin to become photosensitive, meaning your skin is more likely to burn when exposed to UV light from the sun or tanning beds. Avoid UV light for at least 12 hours after applying angelica root to your skin.
  
  
• The essential oil may cause skin irritation or sensitization in a few people.
  
  
• Used in large amounts, angelica may overstimulate the nervous system.
  
  
• Some sources suggest people with diabetes shouldn't use angelica, although I found no support for this recommendation. Consult your health care provider.
  

Main components:

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition

Angelica Aromatherapy Benefits

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art states angelica may help relieve depression and provide a new outlook on problems. "Angelica regulates menstruation and is a digestive tonic that stimulates appetite and alleviates belching, gas, stomach cramps, and indigestion. It also aids the respiratory system and reduces coughing."

Aromatherapy for Dummies: Angelica is related to the Chinese herb dong quai (Angelica chinensis). Like dong quai, angelica may help regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menopausal symptoms. "This is an ideal essential oil for women who experience nervousness associated with hormone issues or an upset stomach."

The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy lists the following uses:

• Angelica root: coughs, sinus problems, arthritis, gout, physical fatigue, and stress-related conditions
  
  
• Angelica seed: menstrual problems, coughs, colds, indigestion and other digestive problems, flatulence, stress, anxiety, nervousness, and skin care for normal, oil, or sluggish skin
  

Use can make a massage oil or aromatherapy bath using angelica. To relieve congestion, use the essential oil in a steam inhalation or make a chest massage oil.

The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: In Traditional Chinese Medicine angelica tonifies lung and spleen Qi, nourishes blood, calms the spirit, and opens the diaphragm to expel phlegm. For sleep, the book suggests rubbing three 3 drops (diluted) on your solar plexus.

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Volume 2: Psychologically, angelica root stabilizes the mind, promotes integration, and promotes willpower and perseverance. Physically, the oil restores weak/hypotonic and relaxes hypertonic/tense  conditions. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the essential function of angelica root is to activate the Qi, harmonize the Middle Warmer, and calm the Shen.

The Fragrant Mind: Angelica seed promotes peace and self-awareness and helps relieve doubt and mood swings.

Essential Oils Desk Reference: The fragrance helps release pent-up negative feelings.

The Essential Guide to Aromatherapy and Vibrational Healing: Spiritually, angelica essential oil opens us up to heavenly messages. Mentally, this essential oil can help calm mental chatter and create a sense of serenity. Emotionally, the oil can help release emotional wounds and clear away unnecessary emotional baggage and outside negative influences.

Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques: Angelica essential oil connects us with angels, especially when used with the seventh chakra.

Subtle Aromatherapy also describes this essential oil as one that connects us to angelic realms.

Mixing Essential Oils for Magic: Angelica is a protector that can break up and clear away negative energy. The root oil promotes stability and grounding energy. The seed oil is especially helpful for balance, beginnings, changes, and renewals.

Angelica Essential Oil Uses and Blends

To strengthen the mind and spirit, use angelica root (perhaps combined with lemon or lemongrass) in an aromatherapy diffuser, according to Complete Aromatherapy Handbook: Essential Oils for Radiant Health.

Relaxing Massage Oil

• 2 drops angelica root essential oil
• 2 drops cardamom essential oil
• 3 drops basil essential oil
• 3 drops spearmint essential oil
• Sweet almond or other carrier oil

Add essential oils to a two-ounce squeeze bottle. Fill bottle with carrier oil. Close bottle and shake well to mix.

Relaxing Bath Salts

Stir together the following ingredients:

• 2 drops angelica root essential oil
• 1 drop cedarwood essential oil
• 3 drops lavender essential oil
• 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
• 1/2 cup Epsom salt

Stir the blend into your bathwater.

Source: Eden's Garden

Connect to Guides

Here's a blend for connecting to your angelic guides:

• 2 drops angelica essential oil
• 3 drops clary sage essential oil
• 4 drops goldenrod essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 6 drops cistus essential oil
• 7 drops elemi essential oil
• 12 drops mandarin essential oil

Ways to use this blend:

• In a diffuser
• Diluted in a carrier oil (3% or less for topical use) and used as a perfume or as a body or massage lotion
• Blended with distilled water in a mister bottle and used as a room spray — 20 drops in 1/2 cup distilled water
• In a personal inhaler (8 to 15 drops)

Source: West Coast Aromatherapy

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Photo Credits: Plant by Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen, Public Domain. Hands by nikkized / 123RF Stock Photo.