Many spices and medicinal herbs came to us from the Orient. However, Oriental traders sought the root of the European angelica plant. People in the Orient were once as crazy about angelica root as we are today about ginseng root. They expected great healing powers from angelica. Westerners called this plant angel root or archangel root, a name that suggests their high honor for a cherished plant.

Standing tall and proud in nature, the angelica plant is an impressive sight. This plant bursts with power and energy. It grows up to 61/2 feet high. The main stem is as thick as an arm and leaves spread expansively from its stem. The strong root system is deeply anchored in the earth, its most cherished element. Its crowning glory is a greenish white umbelliferous flower. The plant’s strong aroma creates its distinctive aura.

The essential oil from the angelica plant suggests: “Don’t give up! Stick with it—nothing has been lost. Don’t be afraid—begin to rebuild. You are strong—nothing will knock you down!” This essential oil is helpful for those who are afraid, timid, weak, or who lack perseverance and have a tough time making decisions. Angelica aids people with an upset nervous system who urgently need to rebuild body and soul. This oil helps soothe all kinds of weakness. It’s like super-growth fertilizer you might feed a sickly plant. The essential oil of the angelica root will help you rediscover your own inner strength and stamina.

For strengthening the mind and spirit, use the essential oil of the angelica root in an aroma lamp, perhaps in combination with lemon or lemongrass. For faintness, place one drop of undiluted angelica oil in your palm, rub both hands together briskly, then hold your hands under your face and nose. Breathe deeply! You will soon notice its strengthening effect. This is also helpful for nausea, weakness, and anxiety when traveling.

The source of the angelica’s strength and rejuvenation is the earth, since the plant itself has been strongly influenced by elements from the soil. As an essential oil, angelica has a fiery temperament and lends us more physical vitality or earthly strength than cosmic or spiritual energy. Angelica is particularly suited to people who need solid ground or who search for reality.

Because of a substance very similar to that found in the musk plant, this essential oil, when greatly diluted in a fragrant lotion, can be a sexual stimulant. Angelica was a favorite medicinal plant in the Middle Ages. Physicians used the oil to protect themselves from infections. According to Paracelsus, during the bubonic plague, angelica provided those who cared for the afflicted invaluable aid. To guard against viruses during the flu season, take 1 to 2 drops of the essential oil. Or use the essential oil in an aroma lamp in combination with lemon or eucalyptus oil, when many people gather in a room.

For intestinal or virus infections or flu, take angelica oil in a propolis infusion to stimulate your own immune system and destroy offending germs. This essential oil is very effective for many conditions—a weak heart, rickets, and long, strength-depleting or chronic illnesses. It may also be taken after an operation or childbirth. It supports the formation of healthy blood cells. In the Middle Ages, angelica was present in every secret remedy that promised to extend life. The bitter substances contained in the oil also play an important role in preventing cancer.

Angelica oil is a well known carminative. It is a very effective, bitter-tasting medicine for a weak stomach or weak digestive system as well as for dyspepsia and flatulence. It stimulates production of digestive juices and is particularly helpful for nervous gastritis, as well as a preferred treatment for stomach disorders. Not only is it healing, but it also has a very calming and balancing effect on the nervous system. This is an ideal combination since so many stomach disorders are caused by nervous tension and anxiety. As a stomach and intestinal tonic, take the essential oil before a meal.

Place 2 to 3 drops on a piece of bread or dilute the oil in a little alcohol. Do not use honey, since the bitterness of the oil has an important reflexive effect on the stomach through the mucous membrane. Angelica oil is a proven medicine for sinus infections, colds, and chronic respiratory problems. In these instances, the essential oil is inhaled, used in the aroma lamp, or as a salve.

Angelica oil is also very effective in stimulating blood circulation. Here angelica can be added to massage oil as well as to full and sitz baths. According to Pumpe, a teacher of the Kneipp method, it is particularly useful for circulatory problems affecting the lower extremities. In addition, the oil also can be used as a sedative, which positively affects the adrenal gland. For nose polyps, holistic medicine recommends inhaling and internally bathing the nose with angelica oil, diluted in waiter (1 drop in four fluid(1 ounces of water). Gently draw the liquid into the nose cavity.