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ANGELICA
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(Angelica archangelica) Top Pick
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Other Names
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European Angelica, Garden Angelica, Masterwort, Wild
Celery.
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Description
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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.
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Classification
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Dry
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Taste
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Sweet
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Warm
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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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.
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Leaves
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Cream
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Apply to skin irritations.
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Extract
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Rub the extract on the affected area.
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Infusion
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Take in standard doses for indigestion.
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Tincture
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Take for bronchitis or flatulence.
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Root
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Compress
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Soak a clean pad in a hot diluted tincture or decoction. Apply to arthritic or rheumatic
joints.
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Decoction
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Use for anemia, menstrual irregularities and pain, liver stagnation, or weakness
after childbirth.
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Massage Oil
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Use for arthritic and rheumatic pain.
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Tincture
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Take for bronchial phlegm, chest coughs, and digestive
disorders. Also used as a liver stimulant.
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Combinations
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For bronchial treatment use with Coltsfoot and White
Horehound. For indigestion, flatulence, or loss of appetite combine with
Chamomile.
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Constituents
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Furocoumarins.
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Action
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Carminative, Anti-Spasmodic, Expectorant, Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Aromatic,
Emmenagogue.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Roots, Leaves, Seeds.
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Collection
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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.
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Preparation
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Cold Extract
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Use 1 Tsp. dried root with 3/4 cup water. Let stand for 10 hours, then
strain. Take
1 cup per day.
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Decoction
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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.
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Extract
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Take 10-30 drops in a glass of liquid three times per
day.
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Infusion
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Place 1 Tsp. crushed seeds in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take as
needed.
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Massage Oil
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Dilute up to 10 drops of Angelica Oil in 25 ml of Almond or Sunflower
Oil.
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Powder
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Take 1/4 to 1/2 Tsp. three times per day.
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Tincture
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Take 2 - 5 ml. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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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.
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History
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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.
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Additional Information
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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.
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Cautions
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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.
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Magickal Information
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Gender:
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Masculine
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Planet:
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Sun
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Element:
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Fire
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Deity
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Venus
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Powers:
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Protection, Visions
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Magickal Uses:
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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.
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