Angelica Herb
by David R. Card
This article contains small excerps from my herbal study of Angelica Archangelica herb. Learn more about Angelica and read herbalists' texts from the 1500s by downloading the full pdf version of Angelica Herb.
Herbal Action of Angelica
- Diaphoretic: to induce sweating and reduce fevers.
- Anti-inflammatory: stops inflammation.
- Astringent: stops diarrhea or excessive discharges.
- Cholagogue: promotes bile.
- Diuretic: promotes urine.
- Tonic: treats chronic conditions.
- Vulnerary: treats menstrual disorders.
- Carminative: stimulates digestion and gets rid of gas and bloating.
Chemical Constituents of Angelica
It contains approximately 1% of essential oils and its constituents are monoterpene hydrocarbons, alpha and beta-phellandrene, alpha – pinene, sesquiterpenes, furanocoumarins, sitoserols, fatty acids, tannins and saccharides.
Side Effects of Angelica
It is considered a medium strength herb with possible chronic toxicity. While there are some theoretical problems with its furanocoumarins, there is a little to no evidence of any problems. Theoretically, problems may be interference with blood thinners, photo toxicity for excessive sun exposure. Other possibilities include photomutagenic, cancerogenic and calcium antagonist properties. The above possibilities may happen if large amounts are taken over the long term. It is considered an emmenoguge, or in other words promotes menstruation. DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.
Angelica in Chinese Medicine
It is used for wind, damp, cold obstructions that cause arthritic joint pains. It is considered warm, drying, bitter, and pungent, stimulating, dispersing, relaxing, calming and decongesting. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, for infections, arthritis, menstrual pains, headaches and toothaches. It also is effective for nerves and muscular pains. It is also for respiratory conditions.
Angelica from an Ayurvedic View
Angelica is considered to pacify the Kapha dosha. This dosha has a hot damp character. Angelica helps this condition. It is a slightly different species. It is used for digestion, gas, bloating, arthritis, cold, flu, headaches, anemia, and deficient menstrual problems, including hot flashes. It is claimed to have anti-bacterial, antifungal, and immune enhancing properties as well as reducing fevers. Emotionally it is used to create joy and to balance heart and mind.
Angelica Essential Oil
Put diluted oil on the bladder area inability to urinate or urine retention. For rheumatism and gout use the diluted oil on the affected areas. The oil is used as a diaphoretic over the abdomen to break up gas and bloating, to relax muscles, and is a diuretic to reduce water retention.
Culinary Uses of Angelica
The fresh leaves (young) are cooked in salt water by some sources. Other sources put the root, leaves or seeds in a soup as a tonic for a cold or a flue when one feels cold. Angelica adds a spicy taste to the right soup.
Umbellifere family of homeopathic which includes Angelica
Homeopathic use includes lung mucus, stomach, nervous diseases, hysteria, asthma, gout and rheumatism. These are similar to herbal uses but without the taste, etc.
Angelica Cultivation
Angelica was originally found in Europe and Asia. It is cultivated in Eastern Europe. In a guide to popular herbs its growing conditions are described as follows:
Best climate and site is Zones 6 – 9, full sun or partial shade. Thrives with little attention but needs moist conditions.
The ideal soil conditions are rich, cool damp garden soil; pH 6.0-6.7.
Growing guidelines: Angelica seeds need light to germinate. When sowing, just press them into the soil surface and leave uncovered. Indoors, sow seed in early spring in peat pots placed in plastic bags in the refrigerator; in 6-8 weeks, place in bright, indirect lit at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Or sow seeds outdoors in spring or summer, preferably where plants will grow, as Angelica transplants poorly. Ideally, sow three to four seeds in a cluster about 3 feet apart and thin to the strongest seedling.
Angelica herb will self seed. Angelica can also be grown to maturity in a container. Ideally plant it in a 10-inch pot filled with rich compost and either sow direct or set one young plant in the middle. Water regularly and apply liquid manure at 10- to 14-day intervals as soon as roots show at the drainage hole.
Harvesting and storing: Collect small stems the first summer then harvest roots in autumn. Pick stems and leaves in spring of the second year. Harvest the ripe seeds before the fall, dry them and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Parts used: Leaves, stems, seeds, roots.
Culinary uses of Angelica include leaves eaten as a vegetable; leave stems candied for cake decorations; stewed for jam. The dry roots can be used for a tea
To see more, open the Angelica Herb PDF.
Learn more about herbs.