Angelica archangelica (Angelica)

The active constituents found in A. archangelica are:

b-phellandrine, b-bisabolene, b-caryophyllene, (1S)-(-)-a-pinene, Linalool, Borneol, Acetaldehyde, Pentadecanolide, Umbellifereone, Psoralen, Bergapten, and Xanthotoxol

This bitter sweet aromatic herb is famed for the female reproductive system.

It is a mild laxative, sedative and painkiller. It also has some antibacterial properties.

Also called Garden Angelica, Root of the Holy Ghost, A member of the Carrot family of plants Umbelliferae.

Description

Angelica is a hardy perennial in it's northern range, but tends to be a biennial in temperate gardens. Large globular flower heads (June-October) consist of many clusters of tiny greenish-white flowers grow on thick hollow stems between 3 and 8 feet tall.

The leaves are pinnately compound, with toothed leaflets and enlarged sheaths at the base of the leafstalks. Angelica must be POSITIVELY identified before use, as it's other relatives are toxic to varying degrees, and it is nearly identical in appearance to water hemlock, the very same herb that was made into a drink for Socrates...

For this reason, it's best to purchase Angelica from a reputable herb supplier, or to grow it from seed at home.

True Angelica is a native of northern Europe, but also appears in America, when English settlers made the journey to the "New World".

Angelica has a wild American relative, great angelica, or Alexander's (angelica atropurpurea), which is similar in appearance, except that it has purplish stems. Alexanders has similar properties and uses as true Angelica, and both grow wild on stream banks and in swamps (also at the edge of roadside ditches) from Labrador to Minnesota, south to Maryland, and West to Iowa, in the North American Continent, all over northern and eastern Europe, and as far as Greenland and central Asia.

The name angelica derives from the Medieval Latin "herba angelica", or "angelic herb", so called due to it's supposed powers against poison and plague. It was believed to protect against contagious diseases, including the plague, ward of evil spirits and spells, bestow long life, and even neutralise the bites of rabid dogs. As recently as World War I, people chewed the root in an attempt to protect themselves from the rampant spread of influenza. It's connection with the Feast of the Annunciation and the Archangel Michael may indicate pagan origins, taken over into Christian customs.

Today, Angelica is a valued digestive tonic, helpful for calming digestive "disturbances" and stimulating the appetite. It can also be used to help alleviate coughs. For these purposes, all parts of the plant may be used. Be warned, however, that large doses of Angelica can cause skin rashes and photosensitivity in some people who are sensitive to furocoumarins, a chemical found in all members of the carrot family to some extent or another (this is apparently what causes the toxicity of the other members of the angelica family, as it's found in them in greater concentration.)

Angelica stems can be candied, having a natural sweetness. Leafstalks are celerylike, and can be cooked or eaten raw as a vegetable, and the whole plant can be used in teas. The essential oils are distilled from the seeds and roots, and are used to flavor or scent perfumes, gin, vermouth, and other various liqueurs, such as Chartreuse.

Preparation

To prepare, the young stems and leaf stalks can be peeled and boiled for 15 to 20 minutes, in several changes of water, as can the roots. Once boiled until tender, the roots can also then be simmered for 20 to 30 minutes in a rich sugar syrup, for a product similar to candied ginger in texture.

Recipe: Candied Angelica Stems.

(For use as candy, pastry decorations and other garnishes, or as an ingredient in fruitcake.)

Harvest mature stalks and cut into pieces 3 or 4 inches long. Soak 12 hours in a solution of cold water and 1 tablespoon each of salt and vinegar. Drain and cover with fresh water. Boil until stalks are transparent, and drain.

Make a syrup of 2 cups white sugar and 1 cup water. Add a few drops green food coloring, if desired (or stalks may look greyish...) Place the stems in the syrup and simmer until transparent and glazed. Place on a tray until dry. Store in airtight containers in a cool place.

MEDICINAL

Angelica is a good herbal tea to take for colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn. It is useful to add in remedies for afflictions of the respiratory system, as well as liver problems and digestive difficulties.

Promotes circulation and energy in the body. It is often used to stimulate the circulation in the pelvic region and to stimulate suppressed menstruation. Angelica should not be used by pregnant women or diabetics.

MAGICAL

Grow it in your garden as a protection for garden and home. The root is often used as a protective amulet, and has been used to banish evil by burning the leaves. It is also used to lengthen life, and is used in protection against diseases, as well as to ward off evil spirits. Adding it to a ritual bath will break spells and hexes. It has often been used to ward off evil spirits in the home.

GROWING

Angelica needs rich, moist garden soil in partial shade. It prefers wet bottomlands and swamps, and prefers the cooler northern regions to grow best. It is a perennial that can reach up to 6 feet tall.