Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica) – The herb of the Archangel Michael
Planet: Sun / Venus
Element: Fire
Folk Names: Amara Aromatica, American Angelica, Archangelic, Bellyache Root, Archangel, Masterwort, Garden Angelica, European Angelica, Garden Angelica, Goutweed, Herb Of The Angels, High Angelica, Holy Ghost Plant, Holy Herb, Masterwort, Purple Angelica, Purplestem Angelica, Root Of The Holy Ghost, Wild Angelica, Wild Parsnip.
Parts Used: The Whole Plant
Angelica archangelica is commonly known as Angelica or Archangel and belongs to the Apiaceae family. Angelica is a subspecies primarily cultivated for its sweetly scented and edible stems and roots. It has small yellow or greenish flowers clustered together in large, globular umbels. Angelica grows wild in the colder climates of the northern hemisphere and can be found in Russia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Greenland and Iceland as well as being cultivated in France and more recently, Thailand.
The History of Angelica
Archangelica is a Greek word meaning archangel. Historically, the herb was believed to be under the protection of the Archangel Michael, as it always blooms around his Feast Day (May 8th). From the 10th Century onward, angelica has a history of being cultivated as a medicinal plant. In the middle ages, it was an ingredient in Carmelite Water, said to be a defense against evil spirits, spells, and witches.
Angelica was also used (along with nutmeg and treacle) as a supposed cure for the Black Plague in a formulation developed by the London College of Physicians in the 1600’s. The name, Angelica archangelica, is also said to be due to an angel appearing to a monk and revealing to him the cure during an outbreak of plague.
Culinary Uses of Angelica
People often candy the sweet and fragrant stems of Angelica and as well as a delicious treat they can also be used to decorate cakes and pastries. The leaves of Angelica can be chopped and added to rhubarb to make them sweet as well as making an excellent addition to salads, soups, herbal mixtures, and cooking stock. Resembling celery, the leaf stalks can be eaten raw or are often steamed and served with butter or chopped and added to port for flavour.
The seeds are said to taste similar to juniper and are often used as a substitute for the berries. Containing the essential oils, the seeds are used in perfumes and adding essence to vermouth, gin and a few other sweet liqueurs such as Chartreuse.
Medicinal Uses of Angelica
Angelica root has long been known to offer a number of health benefits and to treat a number of conditions. The entire plant is proven to help relieve dyspepsia, stomach pain and flatulence. This herb augments the flow of blood to the peripheral regions and may be helpful for treating poor blood circulation and Buerger’s Disease. When the roots are used as a tonic it is often used to help expel phlegm and helps relieve bronchitis and other chest conditions and angelica also has a long history of being used as a general tonic for wellbeing.
Magickal Uses Of Angelica
Angelica is a protective herb and is used for exorcism, protection against evil spirits, general blessing and is especially helpful in the defense of women. Adding leaves to a bath or potions will remove curses, hexes and any other spells cast against you. Sprinkle a little in your shoes to prevent tiredness and weakness. Sprinkled around the home or when grown on your property it is said to protect your home and garden and smoking the leaves of the angelica plant is said to increase clairvoyance and visions.
Carrying angelica root is said to increase longevity and to ward off illness and evil spirits. It has also been used in workings to protect infants and to bring peace and faithfulness to a marriage. When used in abundance workings, angelica is said to bring luck in gambling and is known as a repellent for hexes and curses.
Warnings
Angelica may cause contact dermatitis in some people. As angelica contains a chemical known as coumarins, which can cause thinning of the blood it is recommended to take in restricted doses. People on anti-coagulant medication (eg Warfarin or Coumadin) should avoid taking angelica.
Angelica was once used as an abortifacient and can disrupt the menstrual cycle. It should not be used by pregnant or lactating women for this reason.
You can find angelica root, and many more herbs for ritual and magickal use, in the online herbal apothecary at www.thesacredwillow.com.au .
We have listed known warnings about this plant. These warnings are a guide only and although some magical herbs are safe in small quantities they can be poisonous in large doses or if used incorrectly. If you are not experienced in herbs the rule to stick by is “when in doubt….don’t risk it”.
Originally written 2016 by Tarah P. Updated with additional sources by Courtney Stark, 22.2.22.
Disclaimer: This site is for informative purposes only and its content should not be considered professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy it is no replacement for the attention of a qualified health professional. The Sacred Willow and it’s proprietors cannot be held responsible for any damage and/or injury suffered resulting from actions and/or decisions based on information found on the site. Please do not self diagnose any health condition and always seek professional advice before ingesting any herb. Magickal uses are provided as information only and results are dependent upon the practitioner.
Some of the information provided on this Witchcraft Blog are based on myth, folklore and tradition and may suggest some supernatural or medicinal powers, however we make no claims as to their medical, magickal, psychic or esoteric properties and are sold as curios only.
References
(2021, 10). Retrieved from Spiceography : https://www.spiceography.com/angelica/
Cunningham, S. (1985). Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications.
Herbs2000. (2016, 3 7). Retrieved from Angelica.
Our Herb Garden . (2021, 10 6). Retrieved from Herb History – Angelica : http://www.ourherbgarden.com/herb-history/angelica.html
