Herbal Monograph: Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)

• Apiaceae (Carrot or Parsley family)

• Root, seeds, leaves, and stems

• Warming, drying

• Sweet, aromatic, slightly bitter

Traditional Uses

Angelica root has been valued in European and Chinese herbal traditions for centuries as a powerful tonic and protector against illness.

Key Applications

• Stimulates appetite, relieves gas, bloating, and indigestion, and acts as a carminative and antispasmodic.

• Useful as an expectorant to clear mucus and relieve coughs, colds, and bronchial issues.

• Promotes healthy blood flow and warms the body, useful for poor circulation and menstrual irregularities.

• Calms nervous tension and mild anxiety, promoting emotional balance.

• Historically used during plagues as a preventive herb against infections and toxins.

• Traditionally used to regulate menstruation and alleviate cramps.

Preparation Forms

• Decoctions, tinctures, teas, and infused oils. The stems and seeds are also used in liqueurs and culinary preparations.

Folklore and Historical Context

Angelica has a rich history tied to divine protection and healing. Its name, derived from the Latin angelicus (angelic), reflects its association with angelic intervention.

European Tradition

• According to legend, angelica was revealed in a vision by the Archangel Michael as a remedy to ward off the plague, earning it the name "Root of the Holy Ghost."
• It was carried as an amulet to protect against evil spirits, witchcraft, and curses.
• During medieval times, it was burned as incense in churches and homes to purify the air and drive out negativity.

Nordic and Pagan Roots

• Revered as a plant of protection and fertility, it was often used in rituals to honor the divine feminine and to call upon ancestral guidance.
• It symbolized balance between light and dark, making it a key herb in seasonal festivals and rites of passage.

Magickal Aspects

• Sun (sometimes associated with Venus or Mercury)

• Fire

• Protection, purification, healing, exorcism, and divine guidance.

Uses in Magick

• Carry the root in a sachet or wear it as an amulet to ward off negative energies, curses, and evil spirits.

• Burn dried angelica as incense or sprinkle powdered root around a space to cleanse and purify.

• Use in baths or teas to promote physical and emotional healing and restore vitality.

• Incorporate into rituals to enhance intuition, dreamwork, or connect with angelic and ancestral energies.

• Sprinkle angelica root at the threshold of a home or sacred space to repel unwanted influences.

Warnings in Magick

• Angelica's energy is potent and expansive, so it is best used with clear intentions to avoid over-amplification of energies.

Pharmacological Components

Angelica root contains:

• Provide anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antimicrobial effects.

• Support circulation and muscle relaxation.

• Stimulate digestion and bile production.

• Contribute to antioxidant and astringent properties.

Precautions

Contraindications

• Avoid during pregnancy, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

• Not recommended for use by individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants.

• Can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight when applied topically.

• May enhance the effects of blood thinners, sedatives, or diuretics.

• Only Angelica archangelica is safe for consumption; related species should not be substituted without verification.

Wrap Up

Angelica root is a versatile and powerful herb with a long history of use for protection, purification, and healing. Its role as a sacred plant underscores its spiritual significance, while its medicinal benefits make it a valuable ally for physical and emotional health. When using angelica, it is essential to honor its potent energy and rich heritage, ensuring respectful and intentional practice.

Sources Consulted:

• Grieve, M. A Modern Herbal.
• Mills, S., & Bone, K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy.
• Duke, J. A. The Green Pharmacy.
• Bensky, D., & Gamble, A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica.
• Bremness, L. The Complete Book of Herbs.

Available at AradiaRose Apothecary

Angelica Root

• https://aradiarose.com/products/angelica-root