Here in the midwest, I had grown Angelica for a couple seasons. Its height and distinctive appearance was a unique backdrop to my other herbs. It is the root that is most frequently used for its arsenal of therapeutic properties.
A number of sources indicate that Angelica Root Oil may help fight infections, stimulate the immune system and help motivate the elimination of toxins.
Angelica Root Essential Oil also has a history of aromatherapy use towards combating stress, anxiety and exhaustion.
Aromatically, I find the aroma of Angelica Root Essential Oil to be pleasant. It is known for its use in perfumery and fragrancing. You will likely find Angelica Root Oil to be one that you don’t prefer to use on its own, and will likely prefer to blend it with other oils. It’s woody and peppery aroma blends well with wood oils like Cedarwood, Juniper Berry Oil, some of the spice oils, and I also enjoy blending it with Orange or Bergamot Oils.
Angelica Root is said to be a key ingredient in the flavoring of Benedictine and Chartreuse, both distinctively flavored liquors.
Angelica Root Essential Oil is a phototoxic oil. Several sources indicate that Angelica Root Oil contains bergapten (the same constituent that is responsible for the phototoxicity of Bergamot Essential Oil).
 Angelica Root Oil | Botanical Name: Angelica archangelicaCommon Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled Color: Pale Yellow Consistency: Thin Perfumery Note: Base Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium – Strong |
Aromatic Description: Fresh, peppery, woody, herbaceous.
Angelica Root Oil Uses: Dull skin, exhaustion, gout, psoriasis, toxin build-up, water retention. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 57-67.]
Constituents: a-pinned, camphene, B-pinene, sabinene, d-3-carene, a-phellandrene, myrcene, limonene, B-phellandrene, cis-ocimene, trans-ocimene, p-cymene, terpinolene, copaene, bornyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, cryptone, B-bisabolene, humulene monoxide, tridecanolide, pentadecanolide. [B. Lawrence, “Angelica Root Oil,” Perfumer & Flavorist, December/January 1977, 31, cited in Salvatore Battaglia, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy (Australia: The Perfect Potion, 1997), 140.]
Safety Information: Phototoxic. Avoid Angelica Root Oil during pregnancy and diabetes. [Julia Lawless, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (Rockport, MA: Element Books, 1995), 84.] Do not use if the area of application will be exposed to sunlight for 24 hours due to its phototoxicity.
Important Note: The essential oil information provided within the Essential Oil Properties & Profiles area is intended for educational purposes only. This data is not considered complete and is not guaranteed to be accurate.
General Safety Information: Do not take any essential oils internally without consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use essential oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and give children only the gentlest oils at extremely low doses. It is safest to consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using essential oils with children. A skin patch test should be conducted prior to using an essential oil that you’ve never used before. Instructions on conducting a skin patch test and more safety information can be found by visiting the Essential Oil Safety Information page. For very in-depth information on essential oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Tony Balacs.