|
ANGELICA
|
(Angelica archangelica) Top Pick
|
|
Other Names
|
European Angelica, Garden Angelica, Masterwort, Wild
Celery.
|
|
Description
|
Angelica is an aromatic biennial native to Northern Europe and
Asia. It
is found in mountain ravines, on riverbanks, in the wetlands, and along coastal
regions. It is also widely cultivated. Angelica grows to 6 feet,
producing dense fist sized course, thin leaves. Angelica grows from
rootstock which has a spicy odor. The top of a central stalk
produces clusters of greenish white flower that bloom from June through August, then producting an
oblong yellow fruit.
|
|
Classification
|
Dry
|
|
Taste
|
Sweet
|
|
Balance Yin/Yang
|
Warm
|
|
Humor
|
|
|
Uses/Applications
|
Angelica is one of the most versatile herb. Take as an expectorant for
cough, bronchitis, and pleurisy. It is especially helpful when fever, cold, or influenza is also
present. It is also used to treat cystitis, flatulence, rheumatism, and
colic. Angelica stimulates the appetite, and settles vomiting making it useful in
the treatment of Anorexia. Use the leaf as a
compress in inflammations of the chest. Externally use as a
skin lotion and to relieve rheumatic pains.
|
|
|
Leaves
|
|
|
|
Cream
|
Apply to skin irritations.
|
|
|
Extract
|
Rub the extract on the affected area.
|
|
|
Infusion
|
Take in standard doses for indigestion.
|
|
|
Tincture
|
Take for bronchitis or flatulence.
|
|
|
Root
|
|
|
|
Compress
|
Soak a clean pad in a hot diluted tincture or decoction. Apply to arthritic or
rheumatic joints.
|
|
|
Decoction
|
Use for anemia, menstrual irregularities and pain, liver stagnation, or weakness
after childbirth.
|
|
|
Massage Oil
|
Use for arthritic and rheumatic pain.
|
|
|
Tincture
|
Take for bronchial phlegm, chest coughs, and digestive
disorders. Also used as a liver stimulant.
|
|
Combinations
|
For bronchial treatment use with Coltsfoot and White
Horehound. For indigestion, flatulence, or loss of appetite combine with
Chamomile.
|
|
Constituents
|
Furocoumarins.
|
|
Action
|
Carminative, Anti-Spasmodic, Expectorant, Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Aromatic,
Emmenagogue.
|
|
Food Values
|
None.
|
|
Part Used
|
Roots, Leaves, Seeds.
|
|
Collection
|
Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender. Collect the roots in the
fall of the first year of growth. If the roots are thick cut
lengthwise to speed the drying process.
|
|
Preparation
|
Cold Extract
|
Use 1 Tsp. dried root with 3/4 cup water. Let stand for 10 hours,
then strain. Take 1 cup per day.
|
|
|
Decoction
|
Use 2 Tsp. of root in a cup of water. Bring to boil, then simmer
for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 15 minutes. Take three times per
day.
|
|
|
Extract
|
Take 10-30 drops in a glass of liquid three times per
day.
|
|
|
Infusion
|
Place 1 Tsp. crushed seeds in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take as
needed.
|
|
|
Massage Oil
|
Dilute up to 10 drops of Angelica Oil in 25 ml of Almond or Sunflower
Oil.
|
|
|
Powder
|
Take 1/4 to 1/2 Tsp. three times per day.
|
|
|
Tincture
|
Take 2 - 5 ml. three times per day.
|
|
Growing Directions
|
Propagate Angelica from seeds. Sow seeds on the top of
the soil. Do not cover the seeds as they require light to
germinate. At 21o C it take about 20 days
for Angelica to germinate. Transplant them the
following year to a permanent location. Plants should be at
spaced at least 1 foot apart. Angelica needs rich,
moist, well drained soil and partial shade.
|
|
History
|
In medieval times European mothers made necklaces from the Angelica leaves to
protect their children from illness and witchcraft. Angelica is named
after Archangel Raphael, who according to legend revealed the use of this herb to the
monks. In 1665 it was used for the bubonic plague. The legend says that a
monk dreamed that Wild Celery would cure the plague. The monk renamed the plant
Angelica in honor of the visitor in his dreams. Traditionally Angelica was taken as a tonic to
combat infection and increase energy. Later, it was used to
induce abortion.
|
|
Additional Information
|
1. Dong Quai is
an Eastern species of Angelica used in Chinese medicine.
2. German studies have found Angelica oil to have a relaxing effect on the
windpipe.
|
|
Cautions
|
1. Fresh Angelica roots are poisonous so dry
properly.
2. Be sure not to confuse Angelica with Water Hemlock which is very
toxic
3. Do not use if you are pregnant as Angelica is a uterine
stimulant.
4. Angelica Oil may increase photosensitivity so avoid excessive exposure to
sunlight while using it.
5. Large doses can affect blood pressure and
respiration.
6. There are suggestions that some of the compounds in Angelica may be
extremely toxic carcinogens, however there are no human studies available.
|
|
Magickal Information
|
|
|
Gender:
|
Masculine
|
|
Planet:
|
Sun
|
|
Element:
|
Fire
|
|
Deity
|
Venus
|
|
Powers:
|
Protection, Visions
|
|
Magickal Uses:
|
The Angelica plant is protective so use it in all protection, healing, and
banishing incense. To ward off evil in your home sprinkle the four corners of your
house. Add it to your bath to remove curses or any type of spell against you.
Smoke the leaves and you will have visions.
|
