White Angelica oil benefits health in many ways. This plant is fast gaining attention for its medicinal properties. The 60 different species of this plant have been used in treating chronic bronchitis, hepatitis, indigestion, and many other infections (1).
The medicinal properties of this essential oil can be attributed to its active compounds like polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, terpenes, and polyphenols. This oil is extracted from the roots of the plant. This oil has analgesic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties (2).
Learn more about the benefits this oil offers, its safety, and its active compounds. Continue reading.
In This Article
What Is Angelica Essential Oil?
Angelica essential oil is derived from the steam distillation of the roots of the Angelica archangelica plant. The essential oil has an earthy and peppery smell that is very unique to the plant. The major constituents of the oil are α-pinene, δ-3-carene, limonene, and α-phellandrene (1).
It was used as a diaphoretic, expectorant, emmenagogue, and aphrodisiac in many folk remedies. Let us look at the many uses and benefits of the angelica essential oil in detail.
9 Benefits Of Angelica Essential Oil
1. May Ease Cough And Respiratory Issues
Angelica oil is an expectorant. It helps clear the nasal passages by thinning the mucous linings and clearing the excess phlegm. This is helpful in providing relief from nasal congestion, sinusitis, cough and cold (1).
It also works as an anti-spasmodic. It soothes convulsions during respiratory distress.
The essential oil was used to treat sinus infections traditionally. This could be attributed to the antimicrobial properties of the plant. The antimicrobial activity of this essential oil was found to be effective against clostridium and candida species (3).
2. May Help Reduce Anxiety
Angelica oil has a warm and woody smell that is relaxing and calming on the nerves. It helps in alleviating stress and anxiety. Research has tested the therapeutic effects of the essential oil. The oil exhibited lowered anxiety levels in mice. The results showed the anti-seizure and anti-convulsant effects of the oil. More studies are needed to understand its effects on humans (4).
In mice studies, this essential oil helped in reducing the aggressive behaviors during a social interaction test (5). The anti-seizure effects of the essential oil were also studied. The oil suppressed the duration and the onset time of convulsions. The terpenes in the oil may be attributed to this anti-seizure effect (6).
The oil also contains compounds called coumarins. Studies show that these coumarins may contribute to anticonvulsant and antiepileptic activities (7).
It has been suggested that the natural extracts of the plants can be used as potential drugs to help suppress seizures. However, more research is needed to establish this.
3. May Relieve Digestive Problems
Anecdotal evidence suggests that angelica essential oil has soothing and carminative properties. It may be used to treat digestive problems, such as dyspepsia, nausea, flatulence, acid reflux, and vomiting.
4. May Have Anti-Cancer Properties
Angelica essential oil has anti-proliferative effects. It contains furanocoumarins that may have anti-cancer properties. The angelica plant extracts have been found to reduce the growth of cancer cells (8).
Another study found that the leaf extracts may also exhibit anti-tumor activity (9).
5. May Help Treat Psoriasis
Angelica essential oil is used to treat skin irritation. It could especially be useful in treating psoriasis (10). The plant contains furocoumarins. These compounds may help in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo (11).
Some individuals have also reported to have using the essential oil as a topical application for soothing irritated skin.
6. May Promote Detoxification Of The Body
Research is limited in this regard. Angelica root essential oil is a diuretic. It may help in removing the excess fluid and toxins from the body. It also helps in flushing out the toxins by increasing sweating.
The analgesic and antimicrobial properties of the angelica oil may help in fighting fever and improving immunity. The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil may relieve oxidative stress in the body. This may help reduce toxins in the body.
7. May Provide Menstrual Relief
Anecdotal remedies have used angelica essential oil for treating menstrual issues (12). The potential antispasmodic properties of the oil may also help relieve menstrual pain.
Angelica plant derivatives may also help initiate periods or cause abortions (in the case of unplanned pregnancies). However, there is limited research in this regard. Certain folk remedies suggest that using this oil may improve sex drive and reduce the risk of premature ejaculation.
8. May Help Treat Arthritis
The medicinal properties of angelica oil have been used to treat arthritis and joint pain (1). The anti-inflammatory properties of the oil may help in reducing the pain and providing relief. However, there are no scientific studies to prove these effects.
9. May Help Reduce Fatigue
Angelica essential oil is traditionally used to calm and revitalize the body. The woody soothing aroma helps relax the body. It is also known to help treat mild insomnia (13).
Note: Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using angelica essential oil.
We have read about few of the health benefits of angelica essential oil. Let us look at the nutritional facts and how to use the oil to reap its benefits.
Angelica Essential Oil Nutrition Facts
The essential oil from the seed has β-phellandrene (33.6–63.4%), α-Pinene (4.2–12.8%), among other major constituents. The monoterpene hydrocarbons (63.5–76.6%) made up the largest part of the seed oils (14). The essential oil from the roots are rich in pinene, limonene, β-terebangelene, myrcene, p-cymene, and terpenes (15).
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The oil has important nutrients. In the following section, we will see how you can use the oil for your benefit.
How To Use Angelica Essential Oil
Angelica essential oil can be used in a diffuser or inhaled directly from the bottle. This is helpful for treating respiratory ailments. Combining it with other essential oils, like that of peppermint and eucalyptus, would enhance the health benefits. You can add the oil to the bath water for a soothing and relaxing experience.
For treating skin conditions, such as psoriasis, you can mix the angelica essential oil with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut. You can apply this mixture topically to affected areas.
For arthritis, joint pains, or menstrual cramps, massage the essential oil diluted with a carrier oil.
You can add a blend of essential oils, such as that of tea tree or lavender, to the bath salts for a relaxing and relieving experience.
But how much of the essential oil can you use? We have discussed the ideal dosage of the oil in the following section.
Recommended Dosage
The FDA has approved of angelica essential oil. It is Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) for internal consumption (16). Use only therapeutic grade essential oils for consumption.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has recommended dilution levels of 0.8% for safety (17). Higher doses may over stimulate the central nervous system.
Essential oils, in general, are safe. But some individuals may experience adverse effects.
Safety Precautions And Side Effects
Angelica root oil may cause adverse effects, including skin irritation, redness, allergies, and photodermatitis. This is due to the phototoxic effect of angelicin, a compound in the plant (18). The symptoms can appear after exposure to sun due to the negative reaction of angelicin with direct sunlight.
Other components, like coumarins, may also cause phototoxic and mutagenic effects when exposed to sunlight (19). Hence, it is advisable to avoid exposure to sunlight for at least 24 hours after topical application of the oil.
The essential oil needs to be stored in a dark, airtight container to prevent oxidation (which could result in skin sensitization).
Do a patch test before using the oil. If you are pregnant or lactating or have diabetes, talk to your doctor before using this essential oil.
The benefits of White Angelica oil are numerous. It effectively eases cough and respiratory issues and helps reduce anxiety. It also has anti-cancer properties, helps treat psoriasis, promotes detoxification, and provides menstrual relief. The oil may even help treat arthritis and reduce fatigue. However, do note that the oil may also cause skin irritation, photodermatitis, allergies, and redness in a few individuals. Hence, caution is advised. Pregnant or lactating women and those with diabetes should consult their doctor before using this oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other oils blend well with angelica oil?
Angelica oil blends with most essential oils, such as eucalyptus, lemon, mandarin, basil, lavender, grapefruit, and peppermint essential oils. It complements citrus oils well.
Where do I apply white angelica essential oil?
You can apply it topically on the skin, shoulder blades, temples, and wrists. You can massage it together with a carrier oil on your stomach to relieve cramps.
What does angelica oil smell like?
It has an earthy, woody, and peppery aroma. It smells very fresh and relaxing. The sweet spicy aroma gives it a unique scent.
What is the difference between Angelica and white angelica essential oils?
Angelica is a single essential oil extracted from the plant genus angelica. White angelica is a blend of various essential oils, including myrrh, rose, sandalwood, geranium, ylang ylang, and hyssop.
What can I use in the place of angelica oil?
Angelica oil can be substituted with parsley, dill, fennel, or coriander oils.
Sources
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- Sowndhararajan, Kandasamy et al. “A Review of the Composition of the Essential Oils and Biological Activities of Angelica Species.” Scientia pharmaceutica vol. 85,3 33. 20 Sep. 2017.
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Ravi Teja Tadimalla
Ravi Teja Tadimalla is an editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over… more
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