Apiaceae
Angelica
Angelica archangelica
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: Northern and Eastern Europe, Greenland
Also known as: Garden Angelica, Holy Ghost Plant, Wild Celery
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
RootSeedLeaf
Therapeutic Uses
Digestive complaints (flatulence, dyspepsia, loss of appetite), respiratory catarrh, bronchitis, colds, poor circulation, anorexia nervosa (appetite stimulant). Classic European digestive and respiratory herb.
Herbal Actions
Carminative, antispasmodic, expectorant, diaphoretic, bitter tonic, warming
Active Constituents
Furanocoumarins (bergapten, xanthotoxin, angelicin), phthalides (Z-ligustilide), terpenes, flavonoids, volatile oil
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea🍵 Decoction
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 0.5–1 tsp dried root per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily before meals |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | Root more potent than leaf. Warming digestive — particularly useful in cold, deficient constitutions. Combine with gentian for digestive atony. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy (emmenagogue, uterotonic). Furanocoumarins cause severe photosensitivity. Avoid in diabetes. Caution with anticoagulants.
Side Effects: Photosensitivity (avoid UV exposure after topical contact). GI irritation. Do not confuse with water hemlock (Cicuta) or poison hemlock (Conium).