Angelica Essence

Description

? Southwest School of Botanical Medicine

ANGELICA (Angelica archangelica/officinalis)

Family: Umbellifer (parsley)

Source: Roots of one year- old plants.

Fragrance: Sweet

General description and habitat:

Height up to 2 metres; hollow ridged stems; large bright green leaves divided into toothed leaflets; small yellow-green flower groups in large umbels; native of northern Europe and Syria in a variety of habitats; several varieties but the best to use and eat is officinalis.

Principal constituents:

Angelicin, bergaptene, two furocoumarines, phellandrenic compounds, terebangelene and other terpenes (limonene).

History

History and folk use:

Legend has it that an angel revealed its properties to a monk during a plague. All parts of the plant have been used through many centuries - in China, for colic as far back as the third century. During the plague of 1660 stems were chewed to prevent infection and seeds and roots burned to purify the air. Angelica is used in many European countries and China as a medicine.

Properties & Uses

General properties:

Carminative, diaphoretic, stimulant, expectorant, tonic.

Primary Uses:

Bruises, scars, wounds	Coughs and colds
Digestive problems	Menopause
PMS	Preventing infection
Rheumatic conditions

Secondary Uses:

Colic,	Convalescence,
Fatigue,	Flatulence,
Immune System,	Indigestion,
Scars,	Urinary Infections,
Wounds.

Contraindications

Avoid sunlight or ultraviolet light after use as dermatitis may result.