In the Spotlight: Angelica Archangelica

Known as garden angelica or wild celery, Angelica Archangelica boasts a rich history as a medicinal, flavor-enhancing, and vegetable resource. This captivating herb originates from northern and northeastern Europe, Russia, Iceland, Greenland, and the Himalayas. Revered as an "Angel plant" or ''Mother teacher,'' Angelica Archangelica is celebrated for its miraculous healing capabilities.

Medicinal Advantages

Legend has it that an angel revealed Angelica Archangelica to a monk for curing the plague. Presently, scientific research substantiates some medicinal benefits, though exploration remains limited. While the roots, leaves, seeds, and flowers share healing properties, herbal medicine predominantly utilizes the roots. Energetically, Angelica Archangelica stands out as a pungent, warming, and stimulating remedy, offering potential health benefits such as:

• Digestive Health: Traditionally used for digestive disorders, Angelica Archangelica stimulates digestive enzymes, aiding digestion and alleviating bloating, constipation, and indigestion. Additionally, it exhibits antimicrobial properties.

• Respiratory Health: Applied to treat respiratory issues like coughs, colds, sore throats, lung infections, and asthma symptoms, Angelica Archangelica facilitates improved breathing.

• Menstrual Cramps: Alleviating menstrual cramps, this herb relaxes uterine muscles and regulates female hormones.

• Blood Circulation: Stimulating blood flow to peripheral areas, Angelica Archangelica addresses poor circulation.

• Anxiety and Insomnia: Known for its anxiety-relieving properties, it may also aid in insomnia.

• Anti-cancer: Some evidence suggests that Angelica Archangelica supports the body against cancer.

• Brain Activation: Angelica Archangelica essential oil might activate the right hemisphere of the brain, aiding in problem-solving and perception.

However, Angelica Archangelica's effects vary based on individual constitution and healing phase. It may be too intense for those with an overheated system or excessive fire. Serving as an activator, cleanser, and nourisher, it invites individuals to heal not just symptoms but underlying issues, reconnecting with inner fire.

Usage Instructions

Are you curious to try this wonderful plant? Preparing Angelica Archangelica is simple. It can be decocted or infused by simmering a teaspoon of dried roots for 10 minutes and steeping for an additional 10 minutes. Alternatively, a tincture can be made by adding vodka to dried roots and allowing it to sit in darkness for six weeks.

Risks

Despite its potential benefits, caution is necessary. Avoid Angelica Archangelica if taking medications, having diabetes, pregnant or breastfeeding, or allergic. High dosages may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Essential oil

The beautiful Angelica Archangelica oil boasts a range of benefits, with its standout feature being its ability to activate the right hemisphere of the brain. This activation aids in recognizing connections between various elements, perceiving information or experiences in a fresh light, and heightening awareness of interconnections. The processing power of the right hemisphere is immensely valuable in problem-solving and proves beneficial for individuals facing challenges in grasping alternative perspectives.

References

https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:837560-1/general-information#uses

Fraternale D, Teodori L, Rudov A, Prattichizzo F, Olivieri F, Guidarelli A, Albertini MC. The In Vitro Activity of Angelica Archangelica L. Essential Oil on Inflammation. J Med Food. 2018 Dec;21(12):1238-1243. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2018.0017. Epub 2018 Aug 29. PMID: 30156459.

Concerning Angelica Archangelica root essential oil: Aćimović MG, Pavlović SĐ, Varga AO, Filipović VM, Cvetković MT, Stanković JM, Čabarkapa IS. Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Angelica Archangelica Root Essential Oil. Nat Prod Commun. 2017 Feb;12(2):205-206. PMID: 30428212. Fraternale D, Flamini G, Ricci D. Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of Angelica Archangelica L. (Apiaceae) roots. J Med Food. 2014 Sep;17(9):1043-7. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2013.0012. Epub 2014 May 2. PMID: 24788027.

https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anegl037.html

Nicole Apelian & Claude Davis, The lost book on herbal remedies, 2020, p. 156.

Kumar D, Bhat ZA, Kumar V, Shah MY. Coumarins from Angelica Archangelica Linn. and their effects on anxiety-like behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Jan 10;40:180-6. doi: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.08.004. Epub 2012 Aug 29. PMID: 22960104.

Oliveira CR, Spindola DG, Garcia DM, Erustes A, Bechara A, Palmeira-Dos-Santos C, Smaili SS, Pereira GJS, Hinsberger A, Viriato EP, Cristina Marcucci M, Sawaya ACHF, Tomaz SL, Rodrigues EG, Bincoletto C. Medicinal properties of Angelica Archangelica root extract: Cytotoxicity in breast cancer cells and its protective effects against in vivo tumor development. J Integr Med. 2019 Mar;17(2):132-140. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2019.02.001. Epub 2019 Feb 8. PMID: 30799248. Sabeel Z, Liang Y, Hao M, Ying L, Guo R, Chen R, Li X, Yu C, Yang Z. A comprehensive review of antitumor properties of Angelica species and their antitumor-responsible constituents and the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in tumor inhibition. Phytother Res. 2023 Apr 22. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7841. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37086188.