Angelica
Latin: Angelica Archangelica
Family: Apiaceae
Family: Apiaceae
Keywords
Angel of Protection, Angel of Change, Sister to Deadly Water Hemlock, Archangel Michael, Keeper of Fairies, Sprites, Bees and Butterflies
Angelica Spirit
Angelica was used by the Saami and Laplanders of northern Europe to facilitate shamanic journeying. Sharptooth Angelica opens the Crown and teaches the importance of good grounding before leaving the body to travel in the angelic realms.
(Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants, Scott Kloss)
(Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants, Scott Kloss)
Several psychic properties are stimulated. One is the ability to see your path more clearly, to know what is coming in the future. This is not the same as seeing into the future for someone else, but rather it is to know what is specifically coming into your life. In working with what you see as developing in your life it is beneficial to focus loving energy on these areas. Then there will be some increase in the psychic ability to manifest those specific states in harmony with your highest path.
The plant has existed for some time even before Lemuria. The karmic lesson of this plant is to teach mankind that reaching upwards is always a part of mankind's life . And knowing this as the purpose for being, there is an inner harmony.
The 6th 7th and 8th chakras are brought into a greater sense of unity . The astral and causal bodies are brought into harmony as well. When Chiron or Jupiter is in conjunction or in trying there will be an added effect in using this herb.
(The Spiritual Properties of Herbs, Gurudas)
The plant has existed for some time even before Lemuria. The karmic lesson of this plant is to teach mankind that reaching upwards is always a part of mankind's life . And knowing this as the purpose for being, there is an inner harmony.
The 6th 7th and 8th chakras are brought into a greater sense of unity . The astral and causal bodies are brought into harmony as well. When Chiron or Jupiter is in conjunction or in trying there will be an added effect in using this herb.
(The Spiritual Properties of Herbs, Gurudas)
Properties & Actions
Planetary : Sun, Jupiter, Moon
Element : Fire
Sign : Leo, Pisces
Moon Phase : Full Moon, New Moon
Constituents : Flavonoids, furanocoumarins, essential oils, coumarins, acids, caffein acid, citric acid, fatty acids, phthalates, sugars, resins, sterols, tannins, vitamin C.
Actions : Alterative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, aromatic, antioxidant, astringent, bitter, circulatory stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, nervine, rejuvenative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, uterine stimulant.
Contraindications : Not for use in pregnancy and those with bleeding disorders.
Element : Fire
Sign : Leo, Pisces
Moon Phase : Full Moon, New Moon
Constituents : Flavonoids, furanocoumarins, essential oils, coumarins, acids, caffein acid, citric acid, fatty acids, phthalates, sugars, resins, sterols, tannins, vitamin C.
Actions : Alterative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-rheumatic, antiemetic, antispasmodic, aromatic, antioxidant, astringent, bitter, circulatory stimulant, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, nervine, rejuvenative, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, uterine stimulant.
Contraindications : Not for use in pregnancy and those with bleeding disorders.
Description
Angelica is a stout, hollow-stemmed plant, from two to four or five feet high, with a passing resemblance to its more delicate relative, celery. The large leaves are divided into smaller ones, usually about 2 inches long, either smooth or finely hairy on the underside, and oval to cut leaf in shape. The whole plant has a strong peculiar odor, typically Angelica, which resembles a cross between celery and Juniper and is strongest in the root and seeds. Lower parts of the plant may have a slight purplish tinge, particularly in autumn, but should not be confused with poison Hemlock, a much more delicate plant with carrot-like leaves and purple or inverted umbrella-like humble characteristics of the family.
(Michael Moore, Medicinal plants of the Mountain West)
(Michael Moore, Medicinal plants of the Mountain West)
Angelica Flower Essence

Angelica flower essence helps us strengthen that connection between heaven and earth. It's strongly grounded, and also sends its tall strong stocks skyward. The latin name Angelica Archangelica doubly cements its angelic connection, and even the flowers are orbs! Angelica can help you tune into the angelic realm, but it also removes any notions or hang-ups we might have that tell us we need an intermediary between us and God. If we have set someone or some religious system as a substitution for a direct line of communication, Angelica shows us how we’ve done so and that this is unnecessary. (Freedom Flowers)
History
Angelica's name was derived from a monk's dream in which St. Michael, the Archangel, appeared telling the monk what herb to use to help victims of the bubonic plague that was decimating Europe in 1665, (Grieve). When it was discovered that this herb was helpful in protecting and healing those that had the plague, the country side was very nearly stripped of the plant by peasants and nobility alike. Old chronicles report that anyone who kept a piece of angelica root in their mouth all through the day would be preserved from the plague. This herb blooms about May 8, (old calendar), St. Michael's feast day, and is so named in his honor. Even though this herb is named in honor of a Christian angel many Angelica Festivals are held in Livonia, East Prussia, and Pomerania, and celebrated in a pagan manner, with dance and chanting of ancient ditties in languages no longer understood. European angelica has been viewed as a magical herb for more than a 1000 years. Peasants made angelica leaf necklaces to protect their children from illness and witchcraft. Witches were reported never to use angelica and if it was in a woman's garden or home it was her defense against witchcraft charges. There are more than 60 species of medicinal plants belonging to the genus Angelica world-wide and thirty odd species in the British Isles. Many have long been used in ancient traditional medicine systems, especially in the Far East. Chinese Angelica (Dong quai) has a history of more than 4000 years of use and is referred to as the 'female ginseng,' even though it is used for both genders and for all sorts of body ailments. Many herbal preparations are sold over-the-counter not only in far eastern countries, but also in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. "When European colonists arrived in North America, they found many Indian tribes using American Angelica in the same way as their own healers used the European species; to treat respiratory ailments, in particular tuberculosis," (Castleman 46). Eventually the colonists realized that using larger doses would induce abortion. Angelica Archangelica is a biennial or perennial herb. "It is biennial only in the botanical sense of that term, that is to say, it is neither annual, nor is it naturally perennial. Its virtues are praised by old writers, and the name itself, as well as the folk-lore of all North European countries and nations, testify to the great antiquity of a belief in its merits as a protection against contagion, for purifying the blood, and for curing every conceivable malady: it was held a sovereign remedy for poisons, agues, and all infectious maladies. In Couriand, Livonia and the low lakelands of Pomerania and East Prussia, wild-growing Angelica abounds. There, in early summer-time, it has been the custom among the peasants to march into the towns carrying the Angelica flower-stems and to offer them for sale, chanting some ancient ditty in Lettish words, so antiquated as to be unintelligible even to the singers themselves. The chanted words and the tune are learnt in childhood, and may be attributed to a survival of some Pagan festival with which the plant was originally associated. After the introduction of Christianity, the plant became linked in the popular mind with some archangelic patronage, and was associated with the spring-time festival of the Annunciation. According to one legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague. Another explanation of the name of this plant is that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8, old style), and is on that account a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft: all parts of the plant were believed to be efficacious against spells and enchantment. It was held in such esteem that it was called 'The Root of the Holy Ghost.' Angelica may be termed a perennial herbaceous plant. It is biennial only in the botanical sense of that term, that is to say, it is neither annual, nor naturally perennial: the seedlings make but little advance toward maturity within twelve months, while old plants die after seeding once, which event may be at a much more remote period than in the second year of growth. Only very advanced seedlings flower in their second year, and the third year of growth commonly complete the full period of life. There is another species, Angelica heterocarpa, a native of Spain, which is credited as truly perennial; it flowers a few weeks later than the biennial species, and is not so ornamental in its foliage. (2)
Medicinal Uses:
Angelica is a classic herb in the Traditional Western Herbalism materia medica with long uses for digestive complaints, fever (including typhus), and menstruation. As a digestive tonic, Angelica stimulates sluggish and cold digestion. Look for additional signs of gas, distention, and colic. Lack of appetite may stem not only from digestive complaints, but from sluggishness of the spirit and low vitality. Angelica is specific to hypochlorhydria, which is a condition of the stomach in which the production of hydrochloric acid in gastric secretions is low. The bitter content and sugars present in the herb help to stimulate the appetite and produce bile necessary for digestion. Angelica also helps clear toxins from the gut and assists with the metabolism of fats. Angelica should be used with caution for those with diabetes as it can raise blood sugar levels in the blood and urine through its stimulation of the adrenal cortex which releases cortisol in the system. The scent of the crushed leaves can alleviate nausea.
As a warming and oily herb, Angelica helps to move oils and fats through the body more effectively, including their metabolism and break-up of excess fluids. As an expectorant, Angelica is useful in cases of excess phlegm in the lungs. It is especially good when a respiratory complaint is worsened by cold or an illness has turned into a low-level chronic cough leading to exhaustion. The herb also works on the lymphatic system, clearing out congestion through its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Use in cases of sore throats, where the throat is raw, and for coughs, bronchitis, and asthma - especially if these conditions are made worse by cold. Angelica’s anti-inflammatory qualities can also be used in cases of arthritis and gout. The herb is also a diaphoretic, opening the skin and improving peripheral circulation.
Angelica calms both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, finding balance between the two. The herb calms anxiety and helps to rebuild the protective sheaths of the nervous system as part of its ability to move oils effectively through the body. As a brain tonic, Angelica improves mental clarity, uplifts the mood, and stimulates the imagination. It can be a helpful part of someone’s herbal and healing regimen for depression.
Angelica is a useful herb for congested, cramping, and cold menstruation. The herb offers pain relief and regulates the cycle. It can help bring on delayed menses and is useful in the treatment of amenorrhea. After birth, Angelica has been used traditionally to expel the placenta and bring on milk. The essence of Angelica is excellent to have on hand for any type of life passage including death, birth, and initiations. It can also be used as a tonic to help the spirit return to the body after a traumatic or shocking experience.(1)
As a warming and oily herb, Angelica helps to move oils and fats through the body more effectively, including their metabolism and break-up of excess fluids. As an expectorant, Angelica is useful in cases of excess phlegm in the lungs. It is especially good when a respiratory complaint is worsened by cold or an illness has turned into a low-level chronic cough leading to exhaustion. The herb also works on the lymphatic system, clearing out congestion through its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions. Use in cases of sore throats, where the throat is raw, and for coughs, bronchitis, and asthma - especially if these conditions are made worse by cold. Angelica’s anti-inflammatory qualities can also be used in cases of arthritis and gout. The herb is also a diaphoretic, opening the skin and improving peripheral circulation.
Angelica calms both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, finding balance between the two. The herb calms anxiety and helps to rebuild the protective sheaths of the nervous system as part of its ability to move oils effectively through the body. As a brain tonic, Angelica improves mental clarity, uplifts the mood, and stimulates the imagination. It can be a helpful part of someone’s herbal and healing regimen for depression.
Angelica is a useful herb for congested, cramping, and cold menstruation. The herb offers pain relief and regulates the cycle. It can help bring on delayed menses and is useful in the treatment of amenorrhea. After birth, Angelica has been used traditionally to expel the placenta and bring on milk. The essence of Angelica is excellent to have on hand for any type of life passage including death, birth, and initiations. It can also be used as a tonic to help the spirit return to the body after a traumatic or shocking experience.(1)
Angelica is said to reduce the desire for alcohol, making it useful in addressing alcoholism. It is supportive of the nervous system, providing physical and emotional support to those suffering from addiction and all involved imagine a new path forward and bring on optimism for recovery.
Roots and seeds of this species are used as carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, antiseptic, and antidepressant (on central nervous system) agents. Roots are also used in the treatment of leukoderma and for dental preparation. Dried roots are used for flavoring in confectionary items and wines. Oil extracted from the roots and fruits contain many furocoumarins employed in medicines and in cordial preparations. Angelica archangelica is believed to possess angelic healing power. This plant has been used in traditional and folk medicine as a remedy for nervous headaches, fever, skin rashes, wounds, rheumatism, and toothaches. The roots of this plant have been used internally for digestive problems, including gastric ulcers, anorexia, and migraine, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, and menstrual and obstetric complaints. It has been shown to stimulate gastric and pancreatic secretions. A. archangelica can be used as an antiseptic, expectorant, emmenagogue, and a diuretic. Previous phytochemical investigations on A. archangelica have revealed the presence of various types of secondary metabolites, predominantly furanocoumarins. The roots, stalks, leaves, and fruits possess carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, tonic, and expectorant properties, which are strongest in the fruit, although the whole plant has the same virtues. Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, rheumatism, and diseases of the urinary organs, although it should not be given to patients who have a tendency toward diabetes, as it causes an increase of sugar in the urine. It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant, combined with other expectorants the action of which is facilitated and to a large extent diffused through the entire pulmonary region. It is a useful agent for feverish conditions, acting as a diaphoretic. An infusion may be made by pouring a pint of boiling water on an ounce of the bruised root, and two tablespoons of this should be given three or four times a day, or the powdered root administered in doses of 10 to 30 grains. The infusion will relieve flatulence, and is also used as a stimulating bronchial tonic, and as an emmenagogue. It is used to a great extent on the continent for indigestion, general debility, and chronic bronchitis. For external use, the fresh leaves of the plant are crushed and applied as poultices in lung and chest diseases. From the tenth century on, Angelica was cultivated as a vegetable and medicinal plant[3] and achieved great popularity in Scandinavia, in the twelfth century and is still used today, especially in the Sami culture. A flute-like instrument with a clarinet-like sound can be made of its hollow stem, probably as a toy for children. Linnaeus reported that Sami people used it in reinder milk, as it is often used as a flavoring agent. In 1602, Angelica was introduced in Niort, which had just been ravaged by the plague, and it has been popular there ever since. It is used to flavor liqueurs or aquavits (e.g., Chartreus, Benedictine, Vermouth, and Dubonnet), omelettes and trout, and as jam. The long bright green stems are also candied and used as decoration. Angelica is unique among the Umbelliferare for its pervading aromatic odor, a pleasant perfume entirely different from Fennel, Parsley, Anise, Caraway or Chervil. One old writer compares it to Musk, others liken it to Juniper. Even the roots are fragrant, and form one of the principal aromatics of European growth - the other parts of the plant have the same flavor, but their active principles are considered more perishable. Angelica contains a variety of chemicals, which have been shown to have medicinal properties. Chewing on angelica or drinking tea brewed from it will cause the effect of local anesthesia, but it will heighten the consumer's immune system. It has been shown to be effective against various bacteria, fungal infections, and even viral infection. (2)
Angelica serves a number of functions. In regulating poor digestion the root and seeds are used frequently, in small quantities - a scant teaspoon in a cup of water. This should be boiled for an aromatic bitter and steeped for an anesthetic and astringent to the stomach lining. A tincture of the root or seeds acts as an anti-spasmodic for intestinal cramps ranging from simple nausea to tenesmus. To prevent cramping from cathartic herbs or medicines, 1/4 teaspoon is drunk in warm water. Because of a complex pharmacology, ranging from volatile and fixed oils to phytosterols and saponins, Angelica has a varying solubility in water, and can have different effects when taken as a boiled tea, steeped tea, tincture, or capsule. The seeds and a tincture should be kept in the medicine chest as a first aid for nausea, stomach cramps, and intestinal irritability. A tea of chopped root is useful as a sedative and feverish irritability and for any "hot" illness. It also acts as a menstrual stimulant and antispasmodic for cramps, whether the bleeding is heavy or light...in effect, helping to regulate menstruation. The well known Chinese herbal remedy, Dong Quai, Tang Quai, (so-called "women's ginseng"), is a cured and processed root derived from several species, and is used as a general female tonic, although equally useful for such male problems as prostatitis in orchitis. The roots or seeds in tea, tincture, or capsule, have a have an effect very similar to that of Osha, stimulating both sweat and sebaceous secretions in fevers, cooling the skin and generally stimulating defense mechanisms at the onset of a viral infection. (Michael Moore, Medicinal plants of the Mountain West)
Resources & Recommended
Additional Sources Cited:
(1) http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/to-ignite-the-imagination-angelica-plant-profile
(2) ZA Bhat, Dinesh Kumar, MY Shah, http://www.ijnpnd.com
(1) http://www.wortsandcunning.com/blog/to-ignite-the-imagination-angelica-plant-profile
(2) ZA Bhat, Dinesh Kumar, MY Shah, http://www.ijnpnd.com