Angelica Root

• Therapeutic Properties: Carminative; Antispasmodic; Digestive; Stomachic; Diuretic; Expectorant; Astringent; Tonic; Nervine; Warming; Grounding; Antimicrobial; Antioxidant; Anti-inflammatory Research on Angelica species and their essential oils has reported antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial and insecticidal activities. These findings are primarily based on laboratory and experimental research and do not establish that Angelica Root essential oil is a medical treatment in humans.
• Psychological: Grounding; Centering; Traditionally regarded as strengthening; May help create a feeling of emotional stability; Traditionally used during times of emotional exhaustion; May be useful in meditation and contemplative blends; Can provide a warm, earthy atmosphere; Traditionally associated with courage and inner strength. Angelica Root is generally considered more grounding and strengthening than uplifting or stimulating.
• Nervous System: May be useful in relaxing aromatic blends; Traditionally associated with emotional balance; May help create a feeling of calm and stability; Can be combined with Lavender or Frankincense for a grounding blend. Angelica Root is traditionally described in aromatherapy as a nervine and grounding oil. These are traditional aromatherapy applications and are not established treatments for anxiety, depression or neurological disorders.
• Digestive System: Traditionally regarded as carminative; Traditionally used for gas and bloating; Traditionally used to support digestion; Traditionally associated with appetite stimulation; Traditionally used for intestinal discomfort; Described as antispasmodic in aromatherapy literature. Angelica has a particularly long history of traditional use for digestive complaints. Angelica's traditional digestive reputation comes primarily from herbal medicine rather than clinical evidence for inhaled or topical essential oil.
• Respiratory System: Traditionally used for respiratory discomfort; May be included in warming respiratory blends; Its fresh, herbaceous aroma may be useful in aromatic preparations; Traditionally associated with helping clear mucus. Angelica Root has traditionally been described as an expectorant and respiratory-supporting aromatic. Angelica Root should not be used as a substitute for treatment of asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis or other respiratory disease.
• Circulatory System: Traditionally regarded as a warming aromatic; May be used in massage blends; Traditionally associated with supporting circulation; Can be combined with Rosemary or Black Pepper in warming massage preparations. Angelica has traditionally been associated with circulation and warming. These are traditional uses rather than established treatments for vascular disease.
• Muscles & Joints: May be included in massage preparations; Traditionally used for muscular tension; May be useful in warming massage blends; Can be combined with Frankincense, Lavender or Rosemary. Angelica Root is traditionally described as warming and antispasmodic.
• Skin Care: Traditionally associated with cleansing; May be included in appropriately diluted massage and skin-care preparations; Its aromatic compounds have demonstrated antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. Angelica Root is sometimes included in cosmetic and aromatic preparations because of its complex aromatic constituents and traditional cleansing properties. Because Angelica Root oil can cause photosensitivity and skin reactions, it requires considerably more caution than many other essential oils.

Aromatherapy: Angelica Root is particularly suited to grounding and warming aromatherapy. Add a small amount to a diffuser according to the diffuser manufacturer's instructions. Combine with Frankincense, Cedarwood, Sandalwood or Lavender. Use in meditation or grounding blends. Combine with citrus oils when a lighter fragrance is desired.

Topical: Extra caution is required with topical use of Angelica Root essential oil. Angelica Root oil contains furanocoumarins and is recognized as phototoxic. Exposure to ultraviolet light after topical application can result in an inflammatory skin reaction, including redness, blistering, burns and potentially lasting pigmentation. Always dilute before topical application. Do not apply before exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Use only according to an appropriate safety guideline for the particular oil. A patch test is advisable. Keep away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Do not apply to damaged or irritated skin. Because the phototoxic risk depends on the furanocoumarin content of the particular oil, the supplier's safety information should always be checked.

Ingestion: Ingestion of Angelica Root essential oil is not recommended as a home remedy. Angelica root is recognized in U.S. regulations as a source of an essential oil used for intended purposes, but that does not mean that concentrated essential oil is appropriate to swallow as an aromatherapy treatment. Concentrated essential oils can be hazardous when swallowed. Internal use should only be considered for a specifically formulated product under appropriate professional guidance.

Safety: IMPORTANT — PHOTOSENSITIVITY Angelica Root essential oil is a phototoxic essential oil. IFRA specifically identifies Angelica Root oil as restricted because of phototoxicity, and the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy lists Angelica archangelica root oil among photosensitizing essential oils. Do not apply Angelica Root oil to skin before sunlight exposure. Avoid tanning beds after topical application. Allow adequate time between topical application and UV exposure according to professional essential-oil safety guidelines. Use a properly diluted preparation. Never assume that a very small amount is automatically safe in sunlight. Some individuals may experience skin sensitization. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. Do not ingest concentrated oil. Keep away from children. Store in a cool, dark place. Angelica Root oil is specifically subject to fragrance-use restrictions because of its phototoxic potential.

Aromatherapy: Angelica Root is an excellent oil when a blend needs a deep, earthy, grounding and strengthening character. It is particularly suited for: Grounding Meditation Emotional centering Massage Digestive aromatherapy blends Warming blends Respiratory blends Traditional herbal-inspired formulations Woodland and earthy fragrances Angelica Root blends especially well with Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Patchouli, Juniper Berry, Lavender, Clary Sage, Rosemary and Bergamot.