Angelica - Angelica archangelica

Materia Medica

Angelica / Angelica archangelica

Family: Apiacea

Parts used: Roots, leaves, and flowers

Actions: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, cholagogue, carminative, diuretic, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, vulnerary

Constituents: Angelica’s most abundant phytoconstituents are essential oils and furocoumarins in various part of plant. The main components of its essential oils are α-pinene, β-phellandrene, limonene, α-phellandrene, 3-carene and p-cymene and the most abundant furocoumarins are archangelicin, angelicin, bergapten, imperatorin and xanthotoxin. Angelica also contains a-thujene, b-caryophyllene, linalool, borneol, acetaldehyde, macrocyclic lactones, phthalates, umbelliferone, and psoralen.

Habitat: Angelica is a biennial that is native to temperate Europe, Siberia and the Himalayan Mountains but is cultivated worldwide. In the first year angelica grows as a large clump of leaves that are produced from a strong taproot. In spring of the second year, a hollow stem grows from the center of the plant; this is topped by one or more large rounded flower heads, growing on stalks up to 7 feet tall. The flowers are followed by ribbed seeds. Angelica plants prefer full sun to part shade and moist soil. The seed should be cold stored and is short-lived. Germination is not very good after one year maximum. Press these light dependent germinators into surface of soil and keep cool and moist. Angelica is a bit slow to start at first, but then is fast growing. Leave the seeds on the surface of the soil because they need light to germinate, just tamp them gently into the ground. Sow seed in autumn in cold regions. If you live in a warmer region, or just have trouble getting the seed to germinate, then try chilling the seed to aid germination. Wet the seed and wrap in damp paper towel, place in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 months, then sow outside in spring. This plant is not suitable for the tropics. Angelica is a large plant, so space seedlings about 1 m apart in any reasonable humus-rich soil, in a partly shaded position. Morning sun and afternoon shade is best. Angelica self-sows readily in cooler regions.

Harvest:

Pick leaves and stems at any time but they are best before the plant begins to flower. Harvest seed once they start to turn brown, place the whole flower head in a paper bag so the seed can finish maturing. Roots can be harvested in fall even in the first year.

Magic and folklore:

In the past angelica was used as a potent protector against disease and evil spirits. In the seventeenth century it was an essential ingredient in Charles II’s ‘King’s Majesty’s Excellent Recipe for the Plague’. It was included in Carmelite water, a mixture taken by the well-to-do to promote long life and protect against poisons, enchantments and witches’ spells.

Traditional and Contemporary Uses: Traditional used as a bitter aromatic, antimicrobial and carminative. The plant is widely used in traditional and folk medicine as a remedy for nervous headaches, fever, skin rashes, wounds, rheumatism, and toothaches and epilepsy. The root of Angelica archangelica is internally used for gastric ulcers, anorexia, migraine, bronchitis, chronic fatigue, menstrual and obstetric complaints. Leaves and seeds may be made into a tea to reduce the symptoms of a cold and catarrh, to calm the nerves, to reduce the pain of arthritis, to ease indigestion and improve appetite and increase circulation, especially to the hands and feet. Chew stems to relieve indigestion and flatulence and take a bunch of the leaves on a long car trip as the scent will reduce the chance of car sickness.

Preparation: Typically prepared as either a tincture or decoction.

Dosage:

Tincture: The standard dose of a 1:5 tincture is 2-5mL three times per day in a small amount of water.

Decoction: Drink 1 cup root decoction three times per day.

Warnings: DO NOT use angelica during pregnancy. Consult a physician before use if you are diabetic. May cause photosensitivity.

Interactions: Do not use if you are taking anti-coagulation medication.