Angelica

Scientific Name(S): Angelica spp. Family: Umbelliferae

Common Name(S): Angelica, wild angelica, garden angelica

Angelica (Guardian Angel) is better known in Northern Europe, Iceland, and Russia. This biennial herb can grow anywhere from five to eight feet in height. It requires a shady and sheltered location that has rich soil in order to thrive. Angelica has round whitish-green flower heads that bloom in late spring that closely resemble Queen's Anne Lace. The stalks of this herb are similar to that of celery and these stems produce serrated, bright green leaves.

Angelica root contains vitamin B12, Zinc, Thiamin, Sucrose, Riboflavin, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Fructose, Glucose, and many other trace minerals. Externally it is used as a medicinal gargle for sore throats and mouths and as a medicinal poultice for broken bones, swellings, itching and rheumatism. An infusion of Angelica root, used as a wash for the face, is said to prevent acme. A powder made from the dried root is used for athletes foot, as well as an insecticide and pesticide.

Botany: Angelica is a tall, aromatic biennial plant of the parsley family. It possesses deeply indented, very large leaves and strong stems. The plant is commonly used as an attractive border for herb gardens and to shield other herbs from the wind. The stems, leaves and flowers are light green in color. The species A. archangelica, also referred to as A. officinalis (Moench) Hoffm., is native to shady places in Iceland, Lapland and other northern regions. The species A. atropurpurea is found in North America, and A. sylvestris L. is a small European species. Other species include A. curtisi and A. rosaefolia. A. atropurpurea is also known in the United States by the common name alexanders, but this name is also used to identify another related plant, Smyrnium olusatrum. A. pubescens roots are used in Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of arthritis, headaches and as a carminative.

History: According to legend, angelica was revealed to humans by an angel as a cure for the plague, hence its name. It was introduced to England during the 16th century. Angelica is best known today in the form of cadied or crystallized stems. Dried leaves have been used to make tisanes, which resemble Chinese tea, and as a scent in potpourri. Angelica has been used as a flavoring in gin because of its resemblance to the flavor of juniper berries. The candied leaves and stalks are used as decoration on cakes and pastries. When cooked with rhubarb, angelica reduces the tartness of the other plant. According to one source, angelica is responsible for the muscatel flavor of Rhine wines. Teas made from the roots and leaves of A. archangelica have been used as expectorant, diuretic, diaphoretic, antiflatulent, and externally to treat rheumatic and skin disorders. Angelica has been used as a remedy for respiratory ailments, and in the Faeroe Islands the plant is used as a vegetable.

Uses of Angelica

Anglica is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or influenza.

Angelica species are used as flavoring, scent and vegetable, It has been a folk remedy for respiratory and a range of other ailments, including arthritis. Evidence suggest it has immunostimulant, antimutagenic (but also possibly mutagenic), and anti-tumor effects. It inhibits muscle tissue.

The seeds of this wonder herb have been used in making perfume. The dried leaves can be used in a potpourri mixture and herb pillows. The fresh or dried herbs can be used in a herb bag to be used in a hot bath.

Side Effects of Angelica

Generally recognized as safe, angelica may be photocarcinogenic. Applied extract produces photosensitivity in some individuals.

Toxicology: Angelica is generally recognized as safe for consumption as a natural seasoning and flavoring. The coumarins and furocoumarins may induce photosensitivity if applied topically. These compounds may also be photocarcinogenic and may be mutagenic in laboratory animals. It is possible to confuse this plant with water hemlock (Cicuta maculata L.), which is extremely toxic.

Summary: The term angelica refers to a number of species of herbs of the genus Angelica. These plants have been used for flavorings and scents, as vegetables and herbs, and in folk remedies for respiratory illnesses and arthritis. Pharmacologically, angelica contains compounds with cardiac, smoottl muscle and metabolic effects, and volatile components appear to control the growth of some fungi. Topical administration of the extract may induce photosensitivity in sensitive persons.