Tag: Angelica Root

Angelica Root: Benefits Uses, Recipes and Precaution

Angelica Root is an herb that grows in Asia, Europe, and North America. The herb grows near running water, along woodland edges. All parts of the angelica plant are useful and edible.

Angelica roots are easy to harvest since they are soft and fleshy. Angelica roots have a slightly sweet, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor. You can compare the root’s flavor to juniper berries. The herb has many uses, from treating heartburn, flatulence, anorexia, arthritis, to insomnia.

Angelica can even act as a pain reliever.

 

Benefits to Using Angelica Root

May Help with Anxiety

Angelica has a warm scent that is relaxing and calming to nerves. In a lab experiment, anxiety levels in mice noticeably lowered when testing the therapeutic effects of angelica. The root also displayed an anti-seizure and anticonvulsant effect.

Further testing is needed to verify the same effects in humans.

Help with Digestive Problems

Angelica root can treat digestive problems like nausea, flatulence, vomiting, and acid flux. It has a soothing effect and displays carminative properties.

Eases Cough and Respiratory Issues

As an expectorant, angelica roots help clear nasal passages by clearing excess phlegm. Clearing excess phlegm provides relief from nasal congestion, coughs, and colds.

Angelica has antimicrobial properties that can also treat sinus infections.

May Help in Treating Psoriasis

The root contains furocoumarins which help treat skin conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo. Some people have used angelica as a balm for soothing skin irritation.

Used for Detoxification.

Angelica root has diuretic properties that help with removing excess fluid and toxins from the body. It also increases the body’s rate of sweating which flushes out even more toxins.

Help with Treating Arthritis

Angelica roots have anti-inflammatory properties which help provide relief from pain. It has displayed properties that can treat joint pain and arthritis.

Help Prevent Cancer 

Angelica root extract has killed an aggressive form of brain cancer in animals and test-tube studies.

While this application is unlikely to work on humans, angelica root can be considered a potential cancer treatment. Further research is necessary before you can use the root as a treatment for cancer. As it stands, the best way to fight cancer is still the doctor-recommended method.

Treating Wounds

Angelica can promote the creation of new blood vessels, which, in turn, promotes healing wounds.

There has been some evidence that it can promote healing to more difficult to heal wounds like diabetic foot wounds.

Help Provide Relief of Menopausal Hot Flashes

Traditional Chinese medicine prescribes angelica root for menopausal symptoms. They also prescribe angelica herb as a treatment for women’s hormonal problems. There is some evidence that angelica herb may increase or maintain serotonin levels in the body. It thereby reduces the severity and frequency of hot flashes.

Help treat Anxiety.

Some animal studies provide compelling evidence that angelica root induces relaxation and causing anxious behavior in animals to reduce.

Different Forms of Angelica Root and their Uses

Angelica root can is available in a few different forms, like:

 Powder Form

Organic Angelica Powder

Angelica Root Essential Oil

You can extract angelica root essential oil from angelica roots through steam distillation. The resulting essential oil has an earthy smell with hints of pepper, unique to the angelica plant.

Angelica root essential oil has many medicinal properties, thanks to the many active compounds it has. You can use the essential oil as an aphrodisiac in many traditional remedies.

The oil has anecdotal evidence showing its effectiveness in improving symptoms of an upset stomach. The angelica oil is part of a blend including peppermint leaf, clown’s mustard plant, caraway, German chamomile, milk thistle, licorice, celandine, and lemon balm.

You can also blend the angelica essential oil with other oils to get different effects. For example:

Warm and Cozy Aromatherapy Diffuser Blend

  • Two drops of grapefruit essential oil
  • Four drops of cypress essential oil
  • Five drops of black pepper essential oil
  • Six drops of angelica essential oil

This blend promotes a sense of calm security through winter.

Fertility Blend

To improve your fertility, blend these ingredients:

  • Seven drops of frankincense essential oil
  • Seven drops of angelica root essential oil
  • Five drops of patchouli essential oil
  • Five drops of ho wood essential oil
  • Four drops of spruce essential oil

Mix the blend with your favorite carrier oil and massage into the soles of your feet. Use for 3-6 months before trying to get pregnant.

Dried Angelic Root

Organic Angelica Root

The root is dried then cut into several large chunks. Dried angelic root confers similar benefits to angelica root. Dried angelica root can be ground into a powder, then placed in pills, or used as-is.

You can take the root powder after it has boiled in water and allowed it to steep for some time, making angelica tea.

You can also use dried root powder in cakes, cookies, liqueurs, and confections.

 

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Precaution

Many sources emphasize that you should avoid angelica root when pregnant or breastfeeding.

The essential oil form of angelica can irritate the skin. It would be best if you stored it away from direct sunlight as it is phototoxic.

Consult a doctor before using angelic essential oil if you have diabetes or are breastfeeding.

Where to Buy

Online stores sell dried angelica herb from several different vendors. Some come in capsule form.

You can also buy angelica root from   Mountain Rose Herbs through their website. They have a selection of dried angelica and oil extracts.

Conclusion

Angelica root is one of the most versatile supplements available in the market. You can use angelica extract in baking, alcohol flavoring, cooking, making supplemental teas, and as medicine.

It has a long historical record as alternative medicine. Many people use angelica herb to treat many ailments like cancer, an unsettled stomach, and many other conditions.

There is little evidence supporting angelica root as a medicinal supplement for humans. Most studies only show how angelica root affects animals. Some of the results are promising if they can translate to human use.

 

NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding this herb and spices to your diet. Because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.

 

 

 

Angelica Root Essential Oil: Benefits, Uses blending ideas and Precautions

Organic Angelica Root Essential Oil

Angelica root essential oil has many names, like Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost Root, Oil of Angels, and Archangel Root. The biblical names point to its healing powers, which were considered so great, they could only come from a Divine Source.

Angelica root essential oil was used primarily as a tonic for problems in the digestive and respiratory systems. It also treated heartburn, fever, intestinal gas, insomnia, loss of appetite, circulation problems, and nervousness.

This oil is extracted from the root nodules of the angelica plant.

 

Benefits of Angelica Root Essential Oil

The essential oil has many constituent compounds, which give it many medicinal properties. Many tout its benefits to the lymphatic system and its effectiveness in treating asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and other ailments.

These benefits are that:

It is Depurative.

A depurative is a blood purifying agent. Angelica does this with efficiency, which makes it a diuretic and diaphoretic. These terms mean it promotes urination and sweating.

Angelica helps remove toxins like uric acid, excess salt, fat, bile, and water from the body.

It May Have Anti-Cancer Properties.

Angelica contains a chemical that may have anti-cancer properties. According to some research, these plant extracts have exhibited anti-tumor activity in mice.

It Promotes Urination

Angelica root essential oil increases the rate of urination. It is a diuretic. The essential oil helps remove toxins from the body. It is also an effective remedy treatment for people suffering from chronic renal failure and renal calculi.

It May Help Treat Arthritis

The oil has shown medicinal properties that can treat arthritis and joint pain. Its anti-inflammatory properties give relief to joint pain.

It is Nervine.

A nervine is a tonic that sedates excited nerves. Angelica root essential oil causes the nerves to relax while simultaneously stimulating them, making you more alert and active.

It is a Relaxant.

Angelica causes the body and nerves to relax. It helps get people out of shock, anxiety, anger, hypertension, and even depression.

It is a Stimulant.

Healthy growth is encouraged when angelica root essential oil promotes blood circulation, hormone and enzyme secretion, and other metabolic processes.

It Promotes Stomach Health

Angelica root essential oil promotes the health of your stomach. It will encourage the healing of stomach wounds and ulcers and maintains the proper balance of digestive juices.

It is a Febrifuge.

This essential oil helps the body recover faster from infections and fights fevers. Angelica’s diaphoretic and diuretic properties help by removing waste and toxins from the body.

It May Help Reduce Fatigue

The oil has a woody aroma that many find soothing. This aroma helps relax the body and is known to treat mild insomnia.

Uses of Angelica Root Essential Oil

Angelica root essential oil is a depurative, diuretic, and diaphoretic.  The Angelica essential oil acts as a detoxification agent. It eliminates the impurities from your skin, leaving the skin healthier. The scent also makes the oil attractive to the perfume industry.

The essential oil also soothes your skin when applied. It calms the epidermis while healing it from eczema and breakouts.

In China, Angelica essential oil helps with menstrual and menopause problems. It helps with heart and circulation problems.

Angelica root essential oil blends well with many other essential oils like lemon, grapefruit, patchouli, vetiver, black pepper, cardamom, juniper, lavender tea tree, clary sage, and cedarwood. It has a top to middle note.

For many of these uses, you can use a blend such as:

 

Fertility Blend

For Females looking to get pregnant, mix:

  • Seven drops of frankincense essential oil
  • Seven drops of angelica root essential oil
  • Five drops of patchouli essential oil
  • Five drops of ho wood essential oil
  • Four drops of spruce essential oil

Mix the blend with your favorite carrier oil and massage into the soles of your feet. Use for 3-6 months before trying to get pregnant.

Warm and Cozy Aromatherapy Diffuser Blend

  • Two drops of grapefruit essential oil
  • Four drops of cypress essential oil
  • Five drops of black pepper essential oil
  • Six drops of angelica essential oil

This blend promotes a sense of calm security through winter.

Protect and Defend Aromatherapy Diffuser Blend

  • Four drops of thyme essential oil
  • Five drops of angelica root essential oil
  • Three drops of tea tree essential oil

This blend can protect from colds and the flu.

Ease PMS Symptoms Aromatherapy Diffuser

  • Six drops of angelica essential oil
  • Five drops of clary sage essential oil
  • Three drops of geranium essential oil

This blend should help ease PMS symptoms and stave off cravings if used in the days leading to your period.

 

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Side effects

Angelica root has some documented side effects when it interacts with other drugs and on its own.

It may cause heart problems and increase blood pressure when taken in high doses.

If Angelica root interacts with blood thinners, there is a chance you may experience dangerous, potentially fatal bleeding. It may also interact with some cholesterol and anti-seizure drugs.

Precautions

  • Do not use angelica root essential oil if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
  • Only use diluted essential oils.
  • Only ingest angelica essential oil when cleared by a healthcare worker.
  • Avoid taking supplements with angelica root if you use heart medication, blood thinners, or have a pre-existing heart condition.
  • Store the oil in a dark, airtight container. Do not leave angelica root essential oil out in the sun as it may cause phototoxic and mutagenic effects.
  • You must test the essential oil before use.

Where to Buy:

You can buy Angelica Essential Oil online as well at any grocery store, or at Mountain Rose Herb

Conclusion

Angelica Root Essential Oil has had a long history of medical use in Europe and East Asia. The Vikings would plant the herb everywhere they settled due to its many medicinal uses. It has historically treated digestive disorders, skin conditions, anxiety, and respiratory disorders.

You should, however, note that all the treatments above are anecdotal. There is no conclusive research showing that you will receive any of the benefits listed.