Angelica archangelica is a European herb, not to be confused with the wild North American herb called Angelica, the Japanese Angelica (Angelica keiskei) or the Chinese herb (Angelica sinensis) known as Dong Quai.

Confusing much? That’s why it’s very important to know the Latin name of the herb you are using, as these Latin names refer to the same herb worldwide. No more confusion.

Even though they are all called Angelica, they all have very different uses.

So, back to the Angelica we are looking at Angelica archangelica and its 3 most important uses. The leaves and roots have been used medicinally since Viking times and the seeds and stem are used in confectionary.

Health Benefit of Angelica #1 

~ Tummy troubles ~

As a carminative and digestive aid, Angelica will relax the stomach muscles, increase peristalsis of intestines and relax the colon, this will help with indigestion, bloating, gas, gastrointestinal spasms, improving appetite, has been helpful in anorexia nervosa.

Be careful with gastro-intestinal reflux as it may exaggerate the condition. It combines well with fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), caraway (carum carvi) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) or Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) for these digestive actions.

Health Benefit of Angelica #2 

~ Colds and Flus ~

As an expectorant, decongestant and pectoral it acts as the respiratory relaxant to lung tissue to help release congestion and allow the flow of mucus as well as a lung tonic to heal and strengthen lung tissue. So angelica is very useful with coughs, bronchitis, pleurisy, especially with fever such as in with colds and influenza. Combines well with coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), mullein (Verbascum thapsus) or licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) for a cough.

As a Diaphoretic and circulatory stimulant, Angelica will help increase perspiration and helps the body release and eliminate toxins through the skin. Angelica is also an antipyretic so will also help with high fevers and systemic infections. Take Angelica root until you are fully recovered as it also helps a lot with convalescence. Combine with Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) or Ginger (Zingiber officinale) for fevers and convalescence.

Health Benefit of Angelica #3

~ Arthritis ~

As an Anti-rheumatic Angelica works best when combined with other herbs in a mix which support the actions needed, such as burdock (Arctium lappa) as an Alternative, wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) as an anti-inflammatory and ginger (Zingiber officinale) as a circulatory stimulant and celery seed (Apium graveolens) as a diuretic. Angelica oil can even be used topically as an anti-inflammatory for painful joints.

Angelica archangelica is a safe herb to take, large doses may cause some photosensitivity, so take care in the sun. 

Dosage

• 5-10g a day of root in 1 liter of water

Instructions

• Decoct in pot of boiling water with a lid for 2-5mins
• Take off heat, but leave the lid on and let it sit for 15 minutes (you want to retain as many volatile oils as possible)
• Drink 1 cup 3 times a day