Angelica
Angelica archangelica, Umbelliferae. The plant is also known as Masterwort, archangel and the Holy Ghost Plant. The root and leaves are used medicinally, the stems and seeds are used in confectionary.
The root is collected in the autumn of its first year. If it is very thick it should be cut lengthwise to speed drying. The leaves should be collected in the summer.
Functions of angelica
Angelica:
- is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by fevers, colds or influenza.
- leaf can be used as a compress in inflammation of the chest.
- has calmative essential oils that make it useful with intestinal colic and flatulence.
- is a digestive agent which stimulates appetite and may be used in anorexia nervosa
- has been shown to help ease rheumatic inflammations.
- acts as a urinary antiseptic and is therefore useful with cystitis.
Notes on angelica
- For bronchial problems it combines well with coltsfoot and horehound.
- For indigestion, flatulence and loss of appetite it combines well with chamomile.
- Use sparingly and only for short periods of time.
- It increases the sensitivity to the sun.
Dosages
Decoction: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 teaspoonful of the dried herb, bring it to the boil and then simmer for two minutes. Take it off the heat and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes. This should be drunk three times per day. The roots are often boiled along with juniper berries.
Tincture: take 2-5 ml of the tincture three times per day.
TopReferences
Hoffmann, D. 2000, The New Holistic Herbal. Element Pub.
Hoffmann, F. and Manning M. 2002, Herbal Medicine and Botanical Medical Fads. The Haworth Press.
Marcin, M. M. 1990, Herbal Teas: Growing Harvesting and Brewing. Collins.
Mills, S. Y. 1989, The A-Z of Modern Herbalism: A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Herbal Therapy. Thorson.
Top