Angelica
Angelica archangelica
Use this herb for:
Actions
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Warming bitter
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Expectorant
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Carminative
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Diaphoretic
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Bronchial antispasmodic
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Urinary anti-microbial
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Stimulate digestion (re-ignite digestive fire)
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Low appetite
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Low stomach acid
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Dyspepsia
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Intestinal colic
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Acute bronchitis
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Adjuvant in asthma
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Arthritis
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Warming blood circulation
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Urinary tract infections
Uses
Constituents
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Volatile oils
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Furanocoumarins
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Bitter compounds
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Phenolic acids
Energetics
Bitter, Warming, Dry, Pungent, Calming
For the Atrophic and Torpid tissue state
There are many relationships with this plant and traditional medicines and practice. The Christians in the 16th century thought it appropriate to connect the Angel Raphael to this plant. This is currently where the Latin name derives, Angelica archangeilca. The shaman of the North in Europe considered this plant sacred and in fact the Greek word arktos means ‘bear’. This further connects Angelica to other traditions. The First Nations of North America where Angelica is referred to as Bear Medicine. This is a beautiful connection of the shaman of the North in Europe to the shaman of the New World in the americas
One of the most amazing connections of the West Herbal Medicine Tradtion and the First Nations in the New World is the Medicine Wheel. When there was supposedly no contact between the two worlds both the First Nations and the Greek Tradition used the medicine wheel.
The Spirit of Herbs, Herbal Tarot by M. Tiera connects Angelica to the Trump card ‘The Sun’.
This plant places better with the Price of Pentacles or the Air of the Earth. The strong connection to such an earthly architype as the Bear is enough to connect this plant to the Earth not to mention the physical characteristics the root takes on that mimic the Bear. Also, with Angelica having such an affinity for clearing bad energy as a sacred smudging and clearing pathogens and phlegm from the body whether the lungs or the urinary tract implies Air. The element of Air is also the coming together of the Fire and Water element which can be observed Angelica’s warmth produced but with the love to grow near water. In Tiera’s book Elecampane occupies the Prince of Pentacles which has such a similar application and energetic profile as Angelica.
Growing
The plant loves to grow by water and is home to parts of Western Europe in to Asia. The plant will grow up to 6 feet tall. The root is harvested in the fall during a full moon.
Cautions
Caution in Pregnancy
Caution should be used with hyperacidity, acid reflux, ulcers and GERD.
May cause photosensitivity to the sun in high doses.