Angelica archangelica
FAMILY: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
SYNONYMS: A. officinalis, European angelica, garden angelica.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A large hairy plant with ferny leaves and umbels of white flowers. It has a strong aromatic scent and a large rhizome.
DISTRIBUTION: Native to Europe and Siberia, cultivated mainly in Belgium, Hungary and Germany.
OTHER SPECIES: There are over thirty different types of angelica but this is the most commonly used medicinally. see Botanical Classification section.
HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: This herb has been praised for its virtues since antiquity.
It strengthens the heart, stimulates the circulation and the immune system in general. It has been used for centuries in Europe for bronchial ailments, colds, coughs, indigestion, wind and to stimulate the appetite. As a urinary antiseptic it is helpful in cystitis and is also used for rheumatic inflammation. The Chinese employ at least ten kinds of angelica, well known for promoting fertility, fortifying the spirit and for treating female disorders generally; it has a reputation second only to ginseng. It is current in the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia as a specific for bronchitis associated with vascular deficiency. Candied Angelica stalks are popular in France and Spain.
ACTIONS: Antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. Reported to have bactericidal and fungicidal properties.
EXTRACTION: Essential oil produced by steam distillation from the 1. roots and rhizomes, and, 2. fruit or seed. An absolute is also produced on a small scale, from the roots.
CHARACTERISTICS: 1. A colourless or pale yellow oil which turns yellowy-brown with age, with a rich herbaceous-earthy bodynote. 2. The seed oil is a colourless liquid with a fresher, spicy top note. It blends well with patchouli, opopanax, costus, clary sage, oakmoss, vetiver and with citrus oils.
PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Root and seed oil contain phellandrene, pinene, limonene, linalol and borneol; rich in coumarins including osthol, angelicin, bergapten and imperatorin; also contains plant acids.
SAFETY DATA: Both root and seed oil are non toxic and non-irritant. The root oil (not the seed oil) is phototoxic, probably due to higher levels of bergapten. Not to be used during pregnancy or by diabetics.
AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE
Skin Care: Dull and congested skin, irritated conditions, psoriasis.
Circulation Muscles And Joints: Accumulation of toxins, arthritis, gout, rheumatism, water retention.
Respiratory System: Bronchitis, coughs.
Digestive System: Anaemia, anorexia, flatulence, indigestion.
Nervous System: Fatigue, migraine, nervous tension and stress-related disorders.
Immune system: Colds.
OTHER USES: Highly valued as a fragrance component in soaps, lotions and perfumes especially colognes, oriental and heavy chypres fragrances. It is employed in some cosmetics for its soothing effect on skin complaints. Used extensively as a flavouring agent in most food categories, and in alcoholic and soft drinks, especially liqueurs.
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