A is for “Angelica”
BOTANICAL INFORMATION
Botanical Name: Angelica Archangelica
Common Name: Angelica
Use the botanical name when ordering seeds (bulbs, etc.) or when looking up information in the library. Common names vary by nation, culture, and region, and sometimes the same common name is applied to different plants.
Angelica is a biennial plant from the umbelliferous family Apiaceae. Alternative English names are Holy Ghost, Wild Celery, and Norwegian angelica.
During its first year it only grows leaves, but during its second year its fluted stem can reach a height of two metres. Its leaves are composed of numerous small leaflets, divided into three principal groups, each of which is again subdivided into three lesser groups. The edges of the leaflets are finely toothed or serrated. The flowers, which blossom in July, are small and numerous, yellowish or greenish in color, are grouped into large, globular umbels, which bear pale yellow, oblong fruits. Angelica only grows in damp soil, preferably near rivers or deposits of water. Not to be confused with the toxic Pastinaca sativa, or Wild Parsnip.
Angelica archangelica grows wild in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Iceland, mostly in the northern parts of the countries. It is cultivated in France, mainly in the Marais Poitevin, a marsh region close to Niort in the départment Deux-Sèvres.
The girl’s name Angelica is from the name of the flower, which is from the Latin angelicus (meaning angelic), from the Greek angelos (meaning messenger). Shakespeare named Juliet’s nurse Angelica in the play Romeo and Juliet. This name is Angelica in English and Italian, Angelika in German, Angelique in French, and Angyalka in Hungarian. There is also the modern English variant Anjelica.
HISTORY
From the 10th century on, angelica was cultivated as a vegetable and medicinal plant, and achieved great popularity in Scandinavia in the 12th century and is still used today, especially in Sami culture. A flute-like instrument with a clarinet-like sound can be made of its hollow stem, probably as a toy for children. Linnaeus reported that Sami peoples used it in reindeer milk. Other usages include spices.
In 1602, angelica was introduced in Niort, which had just been ravaged by the plague, and it has been popular there ever since. It is used to flavour liqueurs or aquavits (e.g. Chartreuse, Bénédictine, Vermouth and Dubonnet), omelettes and trout, and as jam. The long bright green stems are also candied and used as decoration.
Angelica contains a variety of chemicals which have been shown to have medicinal properties. Chewing on angelica or drinking tea brewed from it will cause local anesthesia, but it will heighten the consumer’s immune system. It has been shown to be effective against various bacteria, fungal infections and even viral infections.
The essential oil of the roots of Angelica archangelica contains β-terebangelene, C10H16, and other terpenes; the oil of the seeds also contains β-terebangelene, together with methylethylacetic acid and hydroxymyristic acid.
Angelica seeds and angelica roots are sometimes used in making absinthe.
In the European Middle Ages, people believed that angelica was sacred to the angels because it typically bloomed on May 8th, the feast of St. Michael of the Christians.
PART USED
Dried root. Angelica root and seeds used in medicinal decoctions.
ESSENTIAL OIL
Angelica root essential oil can be used for both aromatherapy and magic.
Method of Extraction: Steam Distilled (true essential oil)
Color: Pale Yellow or Cream
Consistency: Thin
Perfumery Note: Base
Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium to Strong
Aromatic Description: Fresh, Herbaceous, Peppery, Woody
Aromatherapy Uses: Dull Skin, Exhaustion, Gout, Psoriasis, Toxin Build-up, Water Retention
Safety Information: Phototoxic (do not expose area of application to sunlight for at least 24 hours); avoid during pregnancy, avoid if you have diabetes, do not eat celeric or celery when taking angelica root or angelica root essential oil.
Using Essential Oils: Essential oils are too concentrated and too expensve to use without dilution. If you purchase pure essential oil from a source such as Mountain Rose Herbs, you will want to place just a drop or two into a neutral carrier, such as vegetable or jojoba oil. This conservation is typical of the use of essential oils in spells and other magic. It is wise to test a bit of any essential oil on your inner wrist before use. If any irritation occurs, do not use the essential oil. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets and away from heat and light.
ASTROLOGICAL CORRESPONDENCES
Planet: Sun
MAGICAL CORRESPONDENCES AND USES
Incense: Healing
Gender: Masculine
Element: Fire
Uses: Divination, healing incense, inner vision, longevity, psychic self-defense, protection;sprinkle angelica around your home to ward off negativity; use angelica in ritual baths
Solar Spells: Angelica (as an herb) may be used as an ingredient or substitute in magic spells and formulas related to solar matters. Be careful about substitutions for preparations that will be ingested or come in contact with the skin. These substitutions do not apply to medical uses.
RITUAL USES
Use angelica for ritual bathing.
ASSOCIATED DEITIES
- Hecate (Greek Goddess)
- Hestia (angelica perfume) (Greek Goddess)
- Vesta (angelica perfume) (Roman Goddess)
HEALTH CARE USES
Warning: Amateur doctoring is potentially dangerous to your health. The following is not professional medical advice. Nothing herein should be considered as a substitute or replacement for professional medical advice. Persons should seek the advice of qualified health providers. Self-medication should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. Please confirm all self-medication with your doctor or health care professional.
Medicinal Tea
Root is prepared in a tea by decoction.
- A decoction of angelica roots or angelica seeds will help with an upset stomach.
- A decoction of angelica roots or angelica seeds will help relieve insomnia.
- A decoction of angelica roots or angelica seeds will help relieve headaches (one teaspoon of plant to one cup of water).
- Culpepper claimed that the angelica plant should be harvested when the moon is in Leo for maximum potency.
Source: Various
