How to Use Angelica
Angelica archangelica of Aplaceae
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Angelica captivates attention in the garden because of its magnificent nature. Each of this herb’s purple flowers are small, but together they bloom in huge bunches producing a dazzling appearance. It has been an essential medicinal plant and food source, exclusively for a long time to northern Finland, Sweden, Norway and Greenland. It was the first medicinal plant transported from Nordic countries to the rest of Europe. Amidst the contemporary herbalist’s plethora of pickings, angelica is considered a bitter, yet fascinating herb that can be used as an antidote for a wide diversity of disorders and diseases. Considering that the herb is bitter, it is mainly used for conditions related to the digestive system. Let us take a look on how this much spoken of herb can be incorporated for an array of uses.
History
Historically, angelica herb has been closely correlated with angels and sanctity, perchance because it turns to bloom around the same time of the day of St. Michael the Archangel, who dropped it into a holy light. There is a tale about a monk who was said to have been visited by St. Michael. In his dream, he was praying for a remedy to the plague that they were experiencing in Europe. It was believed that the monk was given some angelica herb to gnaw as a cure. In the 14th century, this plant had become notable as medicinal herb all over Europe. Throughout the Middle Ages, the root of angelica was considered to be efficient as a remedy for the plague. Eventually, in the 17th and 18th century, the angelica herb was extensively used against intestinal infections like cholera and dysentery.
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Apiales
Family: Aplaceae
Genus: Angelica
Species: Archangelica
Binomial Name: Angelica archangelica
Lore
In 1665 there was an epidemic of the Black Death that escalated throughout London. The plague was of such proportions, people were frantic for a remedy. The College of Physicians in London invented a tonic using angelica root, authorized by King Charles the II. They termed this tonic, The King’s Majesty and it proved an excellent recipe for the plague.
The perception that angelica root and the herb had defensive powers against contagions was prevalent in the mindsets of Medieval times when people took carmelite water that contained angelica to avert spells from witches. In these traditions, the herb is a very powerful shield against negative energy while simultaneously acting as a draw to capture positive energy. It also helps in curing and exorcism.
Sprinkle the herb around your home for security and protection. Generally used to control evil spirits and shield against curses, evil, spells and cruel enhancement, the herb correlates to the sun and the element of fire. It is conventional to make use of angelica during daylight hours as it is related to Archangel Michael who is the known as the angel of fire. Bring a piece of angelica root to give you courage and deflect hexes. In hoodoo traditions, place the root in a white mojo bag for security and protection and in a yellow mojo for courage.
Uses
Medicinal:
The roots, stem, and seeds of angelica herb may be used as an antidote for asthma or bronchitis and other disorders related to the respiratory system. Furthermore, the plant contains antioxidant properties that could make it favorable to impede atherosclerosis. This herb also possesses antibacterial ramifications on the gastrointestinal tract and boosts the production of stomach acid. It is efficient for blood circulation and it has been used as a regimen for Buerger’s disease- an inflammation of the blood vessels normally in the legs and hands that later on may turn to the dreaded gangrene. The herb has been used pep up appetite, enhance digestion, and alleviate colic and diminish intestinal gas build up. It also helps to soothe migraine headaches, treat menstrual cycle disorders, and relieve menopausal symptoms – thus giving it the connotation as the woman’s herb.
Officially in the medical community, the German Commission E, (German FDA), approves of the use of Angelica as a relief for high fever, colds, dyspeptic conditions, and urinary tract infection.
Culinary:
The stems of this herb are succulent and packed with nutrients. Remove the outer layer of the stem and you can eat the juicy, green inner part as a vegetarian snack. It is strong-flavored, but if cooked the taste becomes much milder. It has been used to flavor alcohol beverage for centuries. The angelica essential oil is currently being used by French in their internationally famous liqueur brands such as Chartreuse and Benedictive. The plant has numerous culinary uses due to its fragrant aroma and a sweetness similar to juniper berries. Bakers and pastry chefs also use angelica to spruce up desserts. You can make a candy out of this herb’s roots and stalks when afflicted with disease or when you are fasting.
For tincture intake, it is suggested the dosage is 20-40 drops three (3) times a day. For tea, you can add one (1) teaspoon of finely chopped root in a cup of boiling water. Strain it after steeping for a few minutes.
Spiritual:
Angelica is recognized in magickal herbalism. It is said to dispel negativity and invite positive energy. The root of angelica is predominant in American folk magic. Angelica’s usage is to avert disease, to deliver blessings upon the home and to treat poisoning. This herb also correlates with courage based on moral virtue. It is said to deliver blessings of emotional temperance and an amiable home life. In addition, you can also add the dried root to incenses to break jinxes and to sanctify your home. In European witchcraft, angelica is observed as a powerful defense ingredient. It is integrated into spells to obviate evil and deliver good fortune. Angelica archangelica is indigenous in Europe and it is the species that is generally used in magick spells.
Growing Tips
This large herb grows wild in Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, and Central Europe as well as other parts of North Asia. It is best to grow the seed as soon as they mature. When they are practically ripe, affix a paper bag above the flower head so it can catch the seeds before they fall to the ground. It is a beneficial idea to propagate angelica plants in your garden both for their beauty and combination of uses. The plant is best grown in conjunction with other large native plants in effort to promote biodiversity. It blends well with exquisite grasses such as giant alliums. Angelica can grow up to six (6) feet tall. The flowers blossom from July to August. It is considered a self-fertile herb because it has both male and female organs that are cross-fertilized by insects. It is reasonably easy to grow from seed and fine to plant as soon as seeds are collected. Some seeds will have sprouts if placed in a freezer for long-term keeping.
Word of Caution:
This plant should not be used by pregnant women or nursing mothers just like many other herbs due to its circulation affecting ingredients. It also should not be given to kids below two (2) years old, diabetics and individuals with intestinal ulcers due to its digestive affecting properties. Extensive dosages of angelica roots and essential oils can be immensely toxic. The roots can be poisonous when fresh so you should always make sure it is completely dried.
Final Note
When collecting angelica in the wild, it is necessary that you gather the right species. There are poisonous species that can be easily befuddled with true Angelica archangelica. However, if you want a magnifiescent and useful plant steeped in centuries of lore and history, look no further than this beneficent plant of the year.
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Works Cited
www.themagickalcat.com/Herbs-Angelica-Root-Cut-1-oz-p/hangc-qpb.htm#7s8d6f87.
“Angelica Archangelica.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Mar. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelica_archangelica.
“All about the Angelica Archangelica Herb – History, Uses and Science.” The Angelica Herb – Traditional Medicine and Modern Medical Uses | Sagamedica, www.sagamedica.com/The-Angelica-Herb.
Carroll, Jackie. “Angelica Propagation – How To Propagate Angelica Herb Plants.”Gardening Know How, 11 Jan. 2018, www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/angelica/propagating-angelica-plants.htm.
Britannica. EncyclopæDia Britannica, Inc., 2011.
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