Products
Angelica balms are available in pharmacies and drugstores, among other places. The original recipe goes back to the German midwife Ingeborg Stadelmann. Today, several variations exist.
Structure and properties
An angelica balsam is a semi-solid preparation for external use, which consists of a lipophilic base (e.g. beeswax, shea butter, lanolin, almond oil, olive oil), into which angelica oil and other essential oils (e.g. thyme oil, marjoram oil) are incorporated. Angelic spice oil is an essential oil extracted from the roots or rhizome of angelica. Composition according to Ingeborg Stadelmann: St. John’s wort in olive oil, beeswax, lanolin, angelica oil, marjoram oil, thyme oil (Bahnhof-Apotheke Kempten).
Effects
The various essential oils have soothing, warming, antiseptic, relaxing, relieving (decongestant) and expectorant properties.
Fields of application
Angelica balms are mainly administered for the treatment of cold symptoms (cold, cough, sore throat, feeling sick) in infants and children. Do not use in infants under 3 months of age.
Dosage
According to the directions for use. The balm can be applied to the chest and back and also to the nostrils in case of cold. For infants under 6 months, apply only to the back and use very sparingly.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Infants under 3 months
Full precautions can be found in the package insert.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include local skin reactions and allergic reactions. Angelica root oil contains furanocoumarins, which are not uncontroversial and may make the skin sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity).
