Angelica Root

Angelica Root, Angelica archangelica from the Apiaceae (umbelliferae) family.

It is native to Europe and now cultivated mainly in Eastern Europe. It grows up to 2 metres high with fern like leaves and umbels of flowers. It has a strongly aromatic and large root. It has an earthy, rich herbaceous, pepper like, spicy and strong fragrance.

The oil is extracted from the root by steam distillation.

Angelica has been praised since the middle ages as a plant of many virtues. It was used to strengthen the heart, stimulate circulation and during the plagues to strengthen the immune system.

Its many constituents comprise, a-pinene, camphene, b-pinene, sabinene, d-3-carene, a- phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, b-phellandrene, cic- ocimene, trnas-ocimene, p- cymene, terpinolene, copaene, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, cryptone, etc

Its properties are, antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febifuge, nervine, stimulant, stomachic and tonic.

Precautions: The oil is non toxic and non irritant, however the root oil is phototoxic. If applied to the skin it must not be exposed to sunlight or sunbed rays for 12 hours. Given its traditional uses to induce menstruation and despite no proof to show that it stimulates uterine contractions it is prudent to avoid during pregnancy.