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ANGELICA
See Angelica Venenosa Photo
Other Names: Archangelica officinalis,
Garden Angelica, Archangel, Masterwort.
Habitat: Originally a native of Syria, but
now has been naturalized in Europe and the United States. It grows up to 6 feet in
height and, as it likes a shady position and moist soil, you should plant it toward
the rear of your herb garden. It comes from the same family as fennel and parsley,
and possesses the same characteristic hollow, fluted stems of all these Umbelliferae.
Its highly serrated leaves grow in bunches of three, and it exudes a sin-like
fragrance when bruised. It is hardy biennial herb (that is, it takes two years to
reach maturity) and is extremely easy to grow from seed, root cutting, or seedling.
However, if you plant from seed, make absolutely sure the seeds are freshly
harvested, as they lose their vitality very quickly.
Properties: The herb contains, among other
things, a volatile aromatic oil, sugar, valeric acid, angelic acid, and a resin
known as angelicin. Herbalists use it to aid in the elimination of toxins, the
recovery from rheumatism and colds, urinary complaints, and colic.
Root Dosage : infuse 1 ounce dried chopped
root in 1 pint boiling water for 1/2 hour in a covered container. Drink 2
tablespoons of the liquid, flavored with honey if you wish, 3 or 4 times daily.
Seed Dosage : Infuse 1 teaspoon seed in 1
cup boiling water; cover. Allow to stand until cool; strain and drink 1 to 2 cups
cold a day, again flavored with honey if desired.
Also see Angelica
Copyright 1996, 1998 by
Lori Herron, R.N.and Alternative Nature
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