Angelica
- Origin
- Europe
- Part used
- Leaves, Root
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
A tall umbellifer of gardens and cool woodland edges in northern Europe, angelica was long considered a protective, almost sacred plant, burned or carried to ward off the ills of winter. Old Scandinavian and monastic herbalists grew it as much for the kitchen as for the apothecary, crediting it with comforting virtues for the stomach and the mind.
Traditional uses
Support for slow digestion
The root was traditionally used to accompany difficult digestion, bloating, and loss of appetite, in the manner of the great bitter, aromatic plants.
Airway comfort
As an infusion or syrup, the leaves and root traditionally accompanied winter colds and chesty coughs, in the tradition of so-called "expectorant" plants.
Light nervous calm
Once considered comforting for the nerves, angelica featured in teas meant to calm tension linked to fatigue and everyday worries.
A traditional general tonic
The dried root was used as a decoction as a general tonic, said to restore vigor after illness or a prolonged cold spell.
Before you use it
A photosensitizing plant: it can cause skin spots or burns on sun exposure after contact with the sap or significant ingestion; avoid strong sun in the hours following use. Not advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its traditional emmenagogue use. Avoid, as a precaution, in cases of anticoagulant treatment or clotting disorders. Do not confuse with other toxic wild umbellifers (hemlock, giant hogweed) when foraging: certain identification is essential.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PFAF, Wikipedia