Angelica | Angelica archangelica, A. sylvestris L., A. purpurea, Angelica Sinensis

• Other Names
  • Root of the Holy Ghost, Garden Angelica, Radix Sancti Spiritus, Angelica imperatoria, Angelique, Racine du Saint-Esprit, Engelwurz, Heiligenbitter, Brustwurzel, Angelick, Hhash el malak, Wild Celery, Archangel, Bellyache Root, Masterwort, Dead Nettle, Purple Angelica, Dong Quai.
• Habitat & Location
  • Native to Syria, Northern Europe, China, North America.
• Herbal Actions
  • Aromatic, Decongestant,  Digestive Tonic, Carminative, Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Tonic &  Expectorant properties. Anti-parasitic. Anti-microbial. Lung  Restorative. Emmenagogue. Uterine Stimulant, Abortifacient, Anti-mutagenic, Diuretic, Emmenagogue.
• Element
  • Air
• Energetics
  • Warming & Drying. Spicy & Pungent. Bitter, Sweet, & Aromatic.
• Qualities
  • Stimulating, Dispersing, Relaxing, Decongesting, Dissolving, & Restoring.
• Systems, Organs, & Tissues
  • Respiratory system, Digestive system, Urinary System, Reproductive System.
• Warnings
  • Do not use: while pregnant or while nursing. It is a uterine stimulant.
  • Contraindicated in: heavy menstrual bleeding. 
  • Do not use: in people with a history of heart attacks or diabetes. It can raid blood sugar levels. 
  • The plant contains phototoxic compounds that may cause dermatitis. Exercise caution when harvesting and avoid sunlight if applying topically. 
• Parts Used
  • The root, fruit, and leaves.
• Dosage & Preparations
  • Osha or Angelica Tea:  1 tbsp. root steeped in 1 quart of hot water for 30 minutes.
  • *Add in marshmallow root, honey, or nut milk to reduce the drying effects.
• Abortifacient Dosage
  • Simmer 1/4 cup cut roots to 1qt water for three hours. Drink throughout the day and take no longer than six days.
• Signs of Toxicity
  • Stomach pain, Nausea, Diarrhea, Dilated Pupils, Labored Breathing, Weak & Rapid Pulse, Frothing at the mouth, & Convulsions.
• Indications / Uses:
  • Chronic Gastritis
  • Chronic Ulcer
  • Chronic Enteritis
  • Colitis
  • Anorexia
  • Exhaustion from Physical / Mental Stress
  • Convalescence
  • Chronic Bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation
  • Menopausal Syndrome
  • Thyroid Hyperfunction
  • Cold / Flu Onset
  • Sinusitis / Rhinitis
  • Lymphadenitis (Head or Neck)
  • Amenorrhea
  • Estrogen Deficiency
  • PMS
  • Failure to Progress during Childbirth
  • Retained Placenta
  • Dysuria / Anurua / Incontinence
  • Clear Leucorrhea
  • Preventative in Epidemics
  • Cuts / Wounds / Ulcers / Abscesses
  • Poisoning from Food / Toxic Herbs / Alcohol
  • Injuries (Internal / External), Contusions
• Research, Lore, & Magic
  • Said to protect against contagion, for purifying the blood, and curing every conceivable malady, including poisoning and the plague
  • Was believed to to strengthen ones life and chewed like tobacco
  • The roots worn as a necklace were believed to protect the wearer against witches and enchantments.
  • If you are needing to banish parasitic energy, or kill actual parasites in your gut, both these plants are  excellent. Bears chew on osha before hibernation in order to kill any parasites in their gut, and cleanse their system before sleep.
  • The chemical Angelicin inhibits the malignant behaviors in several types of cancer from cervical to colorectal carcinoma and is being researched as a possible treatment.
• Notes
  • Dong Quai was known as ‘female ginseng’ and used as a tonic for almost every gynecological problem.
  • Midwives would give an angelica root syrup decoction (1tbs) to women after childbirth and it was said that the placenta ‘would arrive 10 minutes later’.
  • Both Angelica and Osha are antimicrobial, great for all lung infections, and clearing congestion.  They are strong expectorants similar to elecampane. Drink them as a tea  to help clear mucus from the lungs and sinuses. They will also reduce  inflammation, and increase circulation throughout the body. Angelica and  osha are some of the best restorative plants for the lungs. They are  strengthening, warm, and protective.
  • Soothes a cough.
  • Induces sweating to break a fever, it is used to treat both colds and the flu.
  • Angelica is an ingredient in Chartreuse and various incarnations of gin and vermouth. It is used as a digestive  aid in many forms, including bitters, liqueurs, and the candied stems.  The root and seeds help allay intestinal gas and spasms caused by  infection, indigestion, or chronic digestive conditions, such as  irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, as an aromatic bitter, angelica  can be chewed on or ingested in moderation as a digestive stimulant.
  • The root is used internally as a tonic anti-inflammatory for arthritic conditions. It is typically combined  with other anti-inflammatory medicinals, such as willow (Salix spp.),  meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria), and turmeric (Curcuma longa).  Angelica honey and syrup helps with coughs and colds and is especially indicated in damp productive coughs (not dry hacking coughs). 
  • The root  can be used in formulas to treat stagnant or “cold” menstrual cramps—the  kind that are relieved by heat or digestive movement. Angelica can also  stimulate sluggish menses if the flow is scanty or tardy.
  • Had the ability to relax or contract smooth muscle.
  • Regulates menses.
  • Stimulates circulation and the heart.
• Sources
  • The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine Making Guide by Thomas Easley & Steven Horne
  • A Modern Herbal by Mrs. M. Grieve
  • Gaia School of Healing 
  • Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine 
  • Planetary Herbology by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D.
  • Plant Lore, Legends, and Lyrics by Richard Folkard
  • The Energetics of Western Herbs by Peter Holmes
  • Natural Liberty by Sage-Femme Collective
  • Angelicin inhibits the malignant behaviours of human cervical cancer potentially via inhibiting autophagy by YIRAN WANG, YUEQI CHEN, XUEDAN CHEN, YAN LIANG, DAPENG YANG, JIAO DONG, NENG YANG and ZHIQING LIAN.