- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Iceland and parts of Siberia. Angelica archangelica
Europe · Herb · № 60
Angelica archangelica
Herb · Europe
Garden angelica
Angelica archangelica
An aromatic bitter traditionally used for bloating, poor appetite and colds. Clinical evidence is limited.
Safety notes
Contains furanocoumarins that make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid in pregnancy. Do not confuse with toxic umbellifers such as poison hemlock.
Cautions by tradition (2)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Not in pregnancy or diabetes.
- Natural skin and hair care: Angelica oil can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight; do not use just before sunbathing. Not during pregnancy.
Preparation
Root and seed are used as tea or tincture; the stems are candied. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In Scandinavia and among the Sámi it was eaten as a vegetable and remedy. A medieval legend says the archangel Michael revealed it as a plague herb. It is a classic ingredient of monastic liqueurs.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Root antispasmodic, induces sweating, expectorant, carminative, diuretic; leaf anti-inflammatory; dang gui strengthens the blood, promotes circulation, laxative; for bronchitis, indigestion, rheumatism, anaemia, menstrual pain, weakness after childbirth.
Preparation and amount
Leaf tea for indigestion; tincture up to 3 ml 3 times a day for bronchitis and wind; root as tincture or cold infusion for catarrh, cough and a sluggish liver; compress on rheumatic joints; dang gui as a decoction for anaemia and menstrual complaints.
Caution: Not in pregnancy or diabetes.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Tonic, stimulating, relaxing; helps recovery after illness (appetite, circulation), warms the womb and supports hormonal balance and menstruation, aids digestion.
Preparation and amount
Root decoction: 1–2 tsp per cup, simmer gently 10–15 min, 1–3 cups a day; tincture: 10–30 drops 1–3 times a day.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Spicy, earthy scent. The oil can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of essential oil as a scent in lotion and powder (see the recipes).
Caution: Angelica oil can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight; do not use just before sunbathing. Not during pregnancy.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Master herb of protection, lets go of negative thoughts, attracts abundance, helps with divination, protection, purification, breaking curses, healing, psychic abilities, house blessing.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with protection, healing and warding off evil.
Preparation and amount
According to a northern European legend an angel showed the plant to a monk in a dream as a remedy against the plague; hence the name Angelica. In Norway and Iceland angelica was grown and eaten as early as the Viking age, and the stems are still candied.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Aids digestion.
Preparation and amount
Flavouring for wine and liqueur; candy; in a protection pouch (rosemary, angelica, sage, 3 cloves, salt); protection oil; edible flower.