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ANGELICA

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.