Angelica Root by Wanderer MoonChild

Botanical Basics

1. Common Name(s): Angelica, Angelica Root, Garden Angelica
2. Folk Name(s): Archangel Root, Holy Ghost Root, Wild Celery, Root of the Holy Spirit
3. Scientific/Latin Name: Angelica archangelica
4. Family: Apiaceae (Carrot/Parsley family)
5. Plant Type: Biennial/perennial herb
6. Botanical Description: Tall herb (4–6 feet) with hollow, ridged stems, large divided leaves, and broad umbels of small greenish-white flowers. The root is thick, aromatic, and yellow-brown. Fruits are winged seeds. Strongly aromatic in all parts.
7. Growing Zones/Climate: USDA Zones 4–9; thrives in cool, damp climates.
8. Best Zones for Growth: Northern temperate regions, especially in moist meadows and riverbanks.
9. Habitat & Range: Native to northern and eastern Europe, Iceland, Lapland, and Siberia. Widely cultivated as a medicinal and culinary herb.

Cultivation & Harvest

1. Soil & Sun Requirements: Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil. Grows best in partial shade but tolerates sun in cooler climates.
2. Propagation: Grown from seed (sown fresh in autumn, as viability decreases quickly). May also be propagated by root division.
3. Companion Planting: Can be grown with other damp-loving herbs like lovage and valerian.
4. Harvesting Guidelines: Roots are dug in autumn of the first year or spring of the second year before flowering. Leaves and stems may be harvested in spring and early summer. Seeds are collected when ripe in autumn.
5. Drying/Preservation: Roots are washed, sliced, and dried in a warm, airy place. Leaves and seeds should be dried quickly and stored in airtight containers.

Traditional & Historical Uses

1. Cultural Significance: Named “archangelica” from legend—said to have been revealed by Archangel Michael as a cure for plague. In folklore, it was considered a holy and protective plant.
2. Traditional Medicine: Used as a carminative, digestive stimulant, and tonic. Employed for colds, bronchitis, rheumatism, and menstrual regulation. Seeds and stems also candied for confectionery use.
3. Symbolism: Protection from evil, divine blessing, healing, and guidance.

Medicinal & Practical Properties

1. Active Constituents: Essential oils (alpha- and beta-phellandrene, limonene), coumarins, flavonoids, resins, bitter principles.
2. Medicinal Uses:
   
3. Digestive aid—stimulates appetite, reduces gas, bloating, and cramps.
4. Expectorant—for coughs, bronchitis, and chest congestion.
5. Circulatory stimulant—warms the body and promotes blood flow.
6. Menstrual regulator—traditionally used to ease cramps and delayed menses.
7. General tonic—strengthens vitality and resilience.
   
8. Preparation Methods:
   
9. Decoction of dried root.
10. Infusion of leaves or seeds.
11. Tincture of root.
12. Candied stems as a sweet digestive remedy.
    
13. Dosage & Guidelines: Decoction—1 tsp dried root per cup water, simmer 10–15 min, up to 3x/day. Tincture—1–2 mL, 2–3x/day.
14. Safety/Precautions: Avoid in pregnancy (uterine stimulant). May cause photosensitivity (due to furanocoumarins). Use cautiously in diabetes or with anticoagulants.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

1. Elemental Association: Fire & Air
2. Planetary/Deity Correspondence: Sun (vitality, protection), Archangel Michael (divine guidance).
3. Magical Correspondences: Protection, purification, blessing, healing, exorcism, visions.
4. Ritual Use: Roots carried for protection; burned as incense for purification and exorcism; added to baths for cleansing and blessing. Used in hoodoo and folk magic as a guardian herb.
5. Symbolism in Divination/Dreams: Dreaming of angelica may signal divine guidance, spiritual strength, or protection from unseen forces.

Ecological & Culinary Uses

1. Pollinator Value: Flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
2. Wildlife Uses: Provides nectar in late spring/early summer; leaves sometimes browsed by animals.
3. Culinary Uses:
   
4. Young stems candied as a confection and cake decoration.
5. Seeds and stems used to flavor liqueurs (Benedictine, Chartreuse, gin, vermouth).
6. Leaves occasionally used in salads or as garnish.
   

Household/Practical Uses

1. Quick Uses: Digestive tonic, protective charm, candied stem sweet, ritual incense.
2. Notable Traits: Associated with angelic protection and healing in European folklore.
3. Special Notes: Closely related to Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), a revered Chinese tonic herb, but with slightly different energetics.

Supporting Notes

1. References:
   
2. Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal
3. Chevallier, A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
4. Hoffman, D. Medical Herbalism
5. Cunningham, S. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs
6. Foster, S. Herbal Renaissance
7.