Essential Oil - Angelica
Botanical Information
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) belongs to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family and is a large, aromatic herb characterized by its hairy stems, fern-like leaves, clusters of white flowers arranged in umbels, and a thick rhizome. It is also known by the synonyms Angelica officinalis, European angelica, and garden angelica. Although more than thirty species of angelica exist, Angelica archangelica is the variety most commonly used for medicinal and essential oil purposes.
Distribution and Traditional Uses
Angelica is native to Europe and Siberia and is mainly cultivated in Belgium, Hungary, and Germany. Since ancient times, it has been highly valued in traditional herbal medicine for its wide range of therapeutic benefits. Traditionally, it has been used to strengthen the heart, stimulate blood circulation, and support the immune system. In Europe, the herb has long been employed to relieve bronchitis, colds, coughs, indigestion, flatulence, and poor appetite. It has also served as a urinary antiseptic for treating cystitis and as a remedy for rheumatic inflammation.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, several species of angelica are widely used to promote fertility, improve vitality, and treat various female reproductive disorders, making the herb one of the most respected medicinal plants after ginseng. In Britain, Angelica is recognised in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a treatment for bronchitis associated with vascular deficiency. Candied angelica stems are also popular as a confectionery ingredient in France and Spain.
Essential Oil and Characteristics
Angelica essential oil is extracted by steam distillation from the roots, rhizomes, and seeds (fruits), while a small quantity of absolute is produced from the roots through solvent extraction. Root oil is initially colourless to pale yellow but gradually darkens to a yellowish-brown colour as it ages. It has a rich, earthy, herbaceous aroma. In contrast, the seed oil is colourless and possesses a fresher, lighter, and more spicy fragrance. The oil blends particularly well with patchouli, opopanax, costus, clary sage, oakmoss, vetiver, and a wide range of citrus essential oils.
Chemical Composition
Angelica essential oil contains several important chemical constituents, including phellandrene, pinene, limonene, linalool, and borneol. It is also rich in coumarins such as osthol, angelicin, bergapten, and imperatorin, along with various naturally occurring plant acids. These compounds contribute to both the oil's distinctive aroma and its therapeutic properties.
Therapeutic Benefits
Angelica essential oil possesses numerous therapeutic actions, including antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic properties. It has also been reported to exhibit bactericidal and fungicidal activity.
In aromatherapy, Angelica essential oil is commonly used to improve dull or congested skin, soothe irritated skin conditions, and assist in managing psoriasis. It is also valued for supporting circulation and relieving arthritis, gout, rheumatism, water retention, and the accumulation of toxins. Additionally, it may help alleviate bronchitis, coughs, anaemia, anorexia, flatulence, indigestion, fatigue, migraines, nervous tension, stress-related conditions, and common colds by promoting overall immune function.
Safety and Precautions
Both root and seed essential oils are generally considered non-toxic and non-irritating when used appropriately. However, the root oil is phototoxic because of its higher bergapten content and should not be applied to the skin before sun exposure. Angelica essential oil should also be avoided during pregnancy and by individuals with diabetes unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.
Industrial Uses
Angelica essential oil is widely used in the fragrance and cosmetic industries as an ingredient in soaps, lotions, perfumes, colognes, oriental fragrances, and heavy chypre perfumes. It is also incorporated into cosmetic products for its soothing effects on the skin. In the food and beverage industry, Angelica is extensively used as a flavouring agent in confectionery, various food products, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and particularly in the production of liqueurs.
