Angelica

Also Known As: European Angelica, Garden Angelica, Herbal Angelica, Root of the Holy Ghost

Botanical Name: Angelica Archangelica L.

Family Name: Apiaceae, Umbelliferae

Native To: Syria, Naturalized in Cool European Regions

Parts To Use: Root, Seed, Leaf, and Stem

How It’s Used: Contains chemicals that help treat fungus, reduce anxiety, and relieve mild cramps, bloating/gas. It is also good remedy for colds, and can aid in the treatment of cancer.

Harvesting: Available for purchase in extract or tea form. This herb should be collected in June and cut shortly above the root. Angelica roots should be dried and placed in air-tight containers.

As early as the 9 th century, angelica was cultivated as a vegetable and medicinal plant. When the Vikings started trading trips to Europe, angelica was an important commodity. This herb can be found in detailed writings dating back to the 17th century where it is described in the treatment of almost every conceivable condition from heartburn to insomnia. According to folklore, it is named after an angel that appeared in Europe and showed a monk the plant as a cure for the plague. Angelica was made popular, not just for its medicinal properties, but as food because the seeds can be dried and used in liqueurs, cakes, cookies, and confections.

The roots of the angelica plant are long and spindle-shaped. The stems are stout and hollow, growing 4 to 6 feet high and the leaves are long footstalks, often 3 feet in length. The yellow-green flowers bloom in July and are followed by pale yellow, oblong fruits, 1/6 to a 1/4 inch in length when ripe. The plant thrives best in a damp soil and loves to grow near running water. The root, seed, leaf, and fruit are used for medicinal purposes.

The roots contain several furocoumarins such as angelicin, bergapten, xanthotoxin, in addition to umbelliprenin and several phenols. These compounds influence bacteria, viruses, fungi, and seem to stimulate the immune system. Angelica may contain substances that relax intestinal muscles which can help relieve mild cramps, bloating, and gas. Angelica is also used for heartburn, insomnia, arthritis, circulation problems, common colds/fever, and anxiety. If you take angelica, wear sunblock outside, as angelica might make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Angelica may not be safe when taken by mouth during pregnancy, as it can cause uterine contractions that might threaten the pregnancy.