The Angelica Herb - Uses & Benefits

There are two versions of the plant of the angelica herb which most are familiar with – the Angelica archangelica, which is native to northern Europe, and the Angelica atropurpurea, which grows wildly in America. They have similar appearance and properties, except that the latter has purplish stems.

Some common names the herb goes by include “garden angelica”, “great angelica”, “alexanders”, “wild Angelica” and “purple-stem Angelica”.

The name “angelica” is derived from the Latin term “herba angelica”, which means “angelic herb”, due to its supposed powers against plague and poison. In those days, the herb was believed not just to have physical medicinal properties, largely for the treatment of digestive problems, but also to ward off bad spirits and even neutralize the bites of mad dogs.

Towards the end of World War I, people apparently chewed on the angelica root with the belief that that would protect them from the then influenza epidemic.

The angelica herb is related to carrots and has an intense but sweet aroma.


Modes of use

Several parts of the angelica plant are used, namely the stem, seeds and the root. Of these, the angelica root seems to be the most oft used.

The angelica herb is typically taken as capsules or an infusion tea. Angelica root extract is also added to various herbal formulas.


Medicinal properties and uses of angelica

Taken internally, angelica is said to be helpful for the following conditions.