Angelica Root, India

Angelica root oil is usually assumed to come from Angelica archangelica, the garden angelica of Europe. This oil does not. Angelica glauca is a separate Himalayan species, and its profile is deeper and darker than the European root.

01 · Origin

Angelica glauca is a tall perennial of the carrot family, Apiaceae, native to the high western Himalaya. It grows in moist, shaded ground and has long been gathered as a local spice and aromatic. This oil is distilled from the roots of wild plants in India.

02 · Chemistry

3-n-Butyl phthalide and isobutylidene phthalide carry the identity of the oil. Phthalides are the same class that gives celery and lovage their characteristic note. Limonene, 6,9-guaiadiene and alpha-pinene add lift. Comparison with Angelica Root, France (No. 1060) shows clearly what separates the two species.

03 · In Practice

Earthy, musky and faintly sweet, with tones of tobacco, celery and parsley. A base-to-middle note of strong character, used in very small proportion. Natural perfumery, meditation practice, massage blends and olfactory study. Blends with vetiver, patchouli, clary sage, bergamot, frankincense, coriander and orange.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.