Root of the Holy Spirit! (Angelica)

Member Name: Shekera

Product:	Angelica
Date:	01/02/02 (43 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent for treating coughs, colds, and flu symptons

Disadvantages: Pregnant woman, young children, babies and diabetics should steer clear.

For centuries, people in the West associated angelica with magic and sorcery and so wore angelica leaf necklaces to protect themselves against spells and illness. They also felt that its presence in the garden or a kitchen cupboard would protect them against charges of witchcraft.

It is rumoured that Medieval and Renaissance herbalists noted the blood purifying powers of angelica. It was used as a remedy for "poisons, agues and all infectious maladies." It was also thought that it would give protection from the plague. However, no traditional aromatherapy uses of angelica essential oil have been documented, but it is known to be an excellent germ killer, especially in the treatment of coughs and colds, flu, muscular aches, tiredness, rheumatism, migraine, nervous tension, and stress. It is also good in aiding the digestion as it provokes a calming affect.

The essential oil is extracted from the root, fruit or seed of the plant. Fresher roots yield oils of lighter colour and a more pronounced terpene note. Oils distilled from older roots are darker, more viscous and have a characteristic musk-like odour.

Oils from young roots or from seeds have a light, peppery top note which oil obtained from roots aged between two and three years. The main body note has a rich, earthy-herby, woody characteristic with a musky, animal-like undertone.

The seed oil typically is between 35 and 65 percent higher in beta-phellandrene and lower in the musk components than the root oil. The root oil can range between ten and thirty percent beta-phellandrene.

When used correctly, angelica essential oil is fairly non-toxic and non-irritant, however, it contains bergapten which is known to be phototoxic and will discolour the skin when exposed to direct sunlight. Overuse may also cause insomnia and should not be used by those who are allergic or sensitive to insect bites and stings. It is vital that Angelica is not used by pregnant w
omen or diabetics, as it has a tendency to elevate blood sugar levels and it is NEVER to be taken internally.

At around £14 per 10ml bottle, I don’t believe this oil is essential to your aromatherapy oil collection, as essential Ginger oil can be used in the treatment of the majority of ailments mentioned above.

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