How to heal yourself with herbs
May 2012

Metaphysical Herbal Law
As the name of this herb suggests Angelica is traditionally associated with the Archangels, specifically Archangel Michael,
as it comes into blossom near the time of his feast day.
It is used to invoke Michaels’ power, specifically for protection.
Paul Beyerl states that Angelica: “Enhances one’s aura, aids the person in maintaining a joyful outlook on life, and assists in allowing the internal, psychic self to be open and functional. Angelica may be used in ritual baths, self-blessings and in rituals of purification.”
Mrs Grieve tells us that Angelica was considered so powerful as a protector it was called “The root of the Holy Ghost”
Paul Beyerl tells us that Angelica works by not only protecting the individual with a kind of protective barrier, but it also fills the individual with good energy, thus strengthening the individual, helping to overcome negative energies.
*Culpepper tells us that Angelica is a powerful antidote for poisons. It works by protecting and comforting the heart and spirit to resist poisons. (However I would not try this at home!)

Medicinal Uses
Angelica Archangelica is primarily a warming digestive herb. It is particularly good with helping the elderly who may have lost their appetite and/or find it increasingly difficult to digest their food. It eases pains and cramping of the gut, aiding the absorption of food, thus promoting a healthy digestive system.
Angelica may also be used with good success for chest conditions from coughs to emphysema.
Its warming action helps to remove tough phlegm and aid with expectoration.
This warming action may also be used with individuals who feel unnaturally cold.
It is a circulatory stimulant, and has a long tradition for sustaining the heart.
Angelica also has a traditional use to deter individuals from alcohol.

Actions
Diuretic. Smooth muscle relaxant. Carminative, Antispasmodic, Digestive tonic.
Anti-fungal. Anti-bacterial. Tonic and stimulant. Diaphoretic. Expectorant.

Dosage
Always contact a medical herbalist for dosage advice.

Plant Constituents
Volatile oil containing- Terpenes. Coumarins, furocoumarin glycosides.
Angelicin. Psoralen, bergapten. Plant acids. Flavonoids and sterols.

Culinary uses
Angelica is used as a flavouring agent in some liqueurs namely, Vermouth, Chartreuse, and Benedictine.
The stalks are often candied and used for cake decoration.

Caution
Furocoumarins especially, psoralen are noted to cause “photo-sensitivity” in sensitive individuals.
This can cause a skin rash when exposed to sunlight.
(It is interesting to note that these compounds are used in “photo chemotherapy” for the resolution of psoriasis and vitilago.)

References:
Potters new cyclopaedia of botanical drugs & preparations. R.C. Wren, E. Williamson and F. Evans. 1998. C.W. Daniel Company.
Bartrum’s Encyclopaedia of herbal medicine. Thomas Bartrum. 1998. Robinsons publishing ltd.
A compendium of Herbal Magick. Paul Beyerl. 1998. Phoenix publishing Inc.
*Culpeper’s Complete Herbal & English Physician. 1826. J. Gleave and Son.

Wendy Budd Bsc (Hons) Medical Herbalist
- member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH), has been practising as a full time herbalist since qualifying with a degree in Herbal Medicine in 2006.
She is passionate about the healing properties of herbs and spreads the word through lectures, short courses, exhibitions, herbal walks and practical demonstrations. Wendy worked in a pharmacy setting for the last 5 years.
She now runs her own Herbal Apothecary in Southsea, Portsmouth, UK.
Wendy also has her own website:
Budd's Medical Herbalist And Apothecary

*Nicholas Culpeper (1616 – 1654) was an English botanist, herbalist, physician, and astrologer. His published books include The English Physician (1652) and the Complete Herbal (1653), which contain a rich store of pharmaceutical and herbal knowledge.

herbs, herbal, healing