Botanical Name: Radix
angelicae sinensis
Extraction Method: Extraction
by ethanol combined with steam distillation
Description: Commonly
known as dong quai or female ginseng, Angelica is a large hairy, biennial plant
with ferny leaves and umbels of white flowers. It can grow 5 to 8 feet tall,
and flowering time is June to August.
Aromatic Scent: It is
said to have a peppery, rich, herbal, earthy, woody and musk animal odor.
Blends well with: Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, and Sandalwood.
Common Uses: Also
referred to as Dong Quai and Chinese Angelica, in Chinese medicine it is used
to relieve cramps, infrequent and irregular periods, PMS, and ease menopausal
symptoms. Based on its monoterpene hydrocarbons, Angelica Oil may be
antispasmodic, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic,
hepatic, stomachic and tonic; however, it has photosensitizing properties as
well, and may have properties as a nervine stimulant. Though animal studies had
indicated it has the properties for which it is known in China, more studies
are necessary to test its safety and efficiency in humans.
Historical: Used in
the West for perfumery, as a sugared confection in Europe, and as one of the
flavouring ingredients in Chartreuse, Benedictine and gin, Angelica has long
been used in traditional East Asian medicine, dating back to 400 BCE as one of
the first drugs recorded in China. Still used today in Chinese medicine, it is
taken as a tonic to improve gynecological and general health in women.
Angelica Essential Oil eases muscular aches, soothes arthritic joints and rheumatic pains. It also eases indigestion problems and flatulence, and improves poor appetite. Angelica is highly valued as a fragrance component in soaps, lotions and perfumes, es
