Angelica - Properties, uses, benefits and applications
Share
What is Angelica? What is it used for? What are it's properties? Can I grown and use Angelica at home?
Angelica is a biennial (or short lived perennial) member of the Apiaceae family. It has umbrella-like flower heads that produce seeds that are popular in the flavouring of many gins and liqueurs. It is not found wild In the UK, although may have escaped a garden here and there. A substantial looking plant, it can grow up to 8ft tall and 4ft wide! Angelica is native to Siberia and the far north, where is was used a a talisman of protection. From here it moved south into Asia and Europe. Legend says that a monk was visited in a dream, after praying for help in fighting the plague and was told of Angelica's protective abilities. This led to the name "Holy ghost Root" becoming popular as the plant spread throughout Europe. Doctors treating those in need during the black death kept the root under their tongue in belief it would protect them from catching the disease. Although once a popular garden grown plant, Angelica appears to have fallen out of fashion, with the exception of it's use in the creation of alcoholic drinks, yet in spiritual use, it remains popular.
To grow Angelica, sow seed on the surface of deep, moist, fertile soil in spring and thin out as needed. It will self seed in good growing conditions and enjoys sunny, or partial shade. The medicinal taproot is very long and can become easily damaged. easiest method is to you start in early fall by locating a usually moist area where the plant can grow. Place a sheet of lightproof black plastic over your chosen growing area in autumn to kill any vegetation, then remove the plastic just before the first frost. The soil must be deep, moist and fertile and in either full sun, or partial shade. Rake the area, removing any remaining grass or vegetation, and break up the soil before wetting it and pressing your seed evenly about 1/4 inch into the soil. Angelica needs a period of cold or warmth before germination, so let it go over the winter. As the spring thaw occurs, begin applying regular moisture to the seedbed and you will see growth as the warm weather arrives!
Name: Angelica archangelica
- Not to be confused with the red/purple coloured "Chinese Angelica", known as "Dang Gui"
- The root was carried by some native American tribes as a gambling talisman.
Parts used: Roots and leaves medicinally, stems and seeds culinarily.
Plant descriptive: A biennial (or short lived perennial) member of the Apiaceae family, with umbrella-like flower heads Can grow up to 8ft tall and 4ft wide.
Growing: Found wild in damp, grassy places (Can be confused with deadly hemlock) To grow, sow seed on the surface of deep, moist, fertile soil in spring and thin out as needed. It will self seed in sunny, or partial shade.
Location: Asia and Europe, and native Siberia
Harvesting: Roots are collected in the plant's first autumn. Thick roots are cut in half along the length and then they are all dried. Leaves and stems are collected in June with seeds harvested as they ripen.
Constituents: Essential oils (including phellandrene and pinene), iridoids, resins, coumarins (including bergapten and angelicin), valerianic acid, bitters, tannins.
Energetics and properties:
- Carminative
- Anti-spasmodic
- Expectorant
- Diuretic
- Diaphoretic
- Digestive
- Warming
- Aromatic
- Tonic
- Drying
- Decongestant
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Physical/Environmental
- Coughs
- Bronchitis
- Fever
- Colds and Flu
- Respiratory inflammation
- Colic
- Intestinal spasms
- IBS
- Wind
- Appetite stimulation
- Rheumatism
- Cystitis
- Urinary tract infections
- Stiffness
- Stomach
- Spleen
- Promoting perspiration
- Irregular periods
- Hormone balancing
- Bruising
- Sprains
- Muscle and joint pain
- Heartburn
- Tension headache
- liver stimulant
- Old coughs
- Infections
- Uplifting
- Stagnant depression
- Negative thoughts
- Courage
- Calm
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Self-confidence
Historical and Traditional Folk Uses - Energetic/Spiritual:
- Protection
- Hex breaking
- Healing
- Spiritual ability increase
- House blessings
- Purification
- Defence from evil spirits
- Sun
- Fire element
- Visions
- Abundance
- Spell removal
- Shielding
- Powder and capsules: 1500mg 3 times daily (for pelvic circulation only as does not work on digestion)
- Decoction: (1 tsp dried cut root to 1 cup water, brought to boil and simmered for 2mins) 1 cup, 3 times per day
- Tincture: Fresh root (1 part herb to 2 parts alcohol) 95% ethanol content, Dried root (1 part herb to 5 parts alcohol) 65% ethanol content) 1-3ml, 3 times daily
- Glycerite: Dried root (1:5); 2-5ml (0.4-1 tsp) 3 times per day
Cautions and Contraindications:
Health conditions: Not safe for pregnancy or lactation. Not suitable for those with heavy menstrual bleeding. Avoid therapeutic doses if diabetic, unless under the care and monitoring of a professional.
Surgery: Angelica is blood thinning and could cause excessive bleeding in surgery. Stop using at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Phototoxic: Avoid exposure to the sun if using externally.
Moderate or Severe Medication Interactions: - This list is not exhaustive:
Although there are currently no listed proven medication interactions, we know that the herb has blood thinning effects and is also photo toxic. Therefore we advise against combining Angelica with other medications that cause blood thinning or are also photosensiting.
If you have a diagnosed health condition or are taking any medications, please speak with a qualified herbalist using the webchat function prior to purchase.
*This information refers to the plant type in general and not any specific product made from or with it. It is based on folk lore and historical, traditional use only and does not contain scientifically proven health claims. It is for historic informative and entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as a suggestion that the products can treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness. They are not a substitute for professional, medical advice. Always see your doctor.*
(Sources: “The Modern Herbal Dispensary” - Thomas Easley and Steven Horne, “The New Holistic Herbal” - David Hoffman, "Healing Herbs" - Neals Yard Remedies, Indigo Herbs, "Cunningham's Encyclopedia" - Scott Cunningam, The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia" - Susan Gregg, Sungodmedicinals.com, starchild.co.uk, hellopharmacist.com)
Browse our ranges, including Angelica and other herbs here:
Crystals, holistic tools, and naturally healthy lifestyle products – HIPPIE