Angelica
Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica, Angelica officinalis
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) –Carrot
Other Names: Angel’s herb, archangel, bellyache root, European angelica, garden angelica, herba angelica, holy ghost, masterwort, root of the holy ghost
Habitat: Damp meadows, river banks
Description: Hairy biennial or perennial with large lobed bright green ferny leaves, which are serrated and divided into 3. Flowers July - August tiny and yellowish/white, grouped into large umbels Between 120cm/300cm4ft-10ft. Stout stems and hollow
Aroma: Earthy, sweet
Native to: Spain or cooler countries such as Lapland and Iceland
Cultivated in: Britain, Belgium, Hungary, Germany
Parts used: Leaf, root, seeds, leaves
Cultivation: Rich damp soil - sun or partial shade preferable near running water. Seeds sown March – April, one metre apart
Propagation: Early spring-Roots divided, cuttings taken.
Harvesting: Stems and leaves before it flowers. Seeds when ripe. Roots at the end of the season
Actions: Appetizer, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, depurative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hepatic, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic
Extraction: Steam distillation, from roots, rhizomes, fruit or seed
Constitutes: Root and seed oil contain phellandrene, pinene, limonene, linalool, borneol; rich in coumarins – osthol, angelicin, bergapten, imperatorin
Combines with: Chamomile, coltsfoot, geranium, grapefruit, horehound white, lavender, lemon, patchouli, vetiver
Note: Base
Traditional uses: Strengths heart, aids circulation and immune system
Culinary uses: Confectionary, liquors, cake decorations, jellies, jam, or as a vegetable. Flowers baked with sugar.
Skin: Psoriasis, itching, scabies, eyes
Circulation, muscle joint: Arthritis, gout, rheumatism, water retention
Respiratory: Bronchitis, cough
Digestive: Digestion, stomach problems, intestines, anorexia nervosa, heartburn, indigestion, flatulence, toothache
Immune: Colds, flu
Nervous system: Anorexia nervosa, migraine, vertigo, fatigue, stress, travel sickness
Other Uses: Soaps, lotions, perfumes, food, drink
Other Notes:
The name comes from the Greek word "Angelos" meaning messenger
Thought to protect against evil and have healing powers
It is associated with Archangel Michael as it said to bloom May 8th (St Michael’s day) the day he appeared in a vision
Some shamans carry angelica with them to help them to stay balanced when they travel into the spirit realm
Travellers hang it above the doors of caravans to ward of evil spirit
Caution: Do not take internally if Diabetic.
Do not take large amounts or over an extended period of time.
Do not use if pregnant.
Root oil is phototoxic
Angelica – Wild
Botanical Name: Angelica sylvestris
Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae)
Habitat: Damp woods, bogs, marshes
Description: Perennial herb up to 1.5m/5ft tall Stems – branched, ridged, hollow Leaves: purple-ish 2 or 3 pinnate with the lobes further divided and stalked Flowers: dense white or pink tinged umbels July – August
Native to: Britain
Other Notes: Used in Chartreuse and Vermouth
Believed to offer protection against bubonic plague after an archangel revealed its healing power. It was collected in London including from the Lincoln’s Inn Fields during the epidemic in 1665
Witches made necklaces from it in order to protect against demons