Herbal Witchcraft: Angelica


Angelica Archangelica

Native to the north and north-eastern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, Russia and the Himalayas; Angelica also grows wild in Scandinavia and north Asia.

Recorded in ancient texts and implemented as medicine in Iceland for more than 1,100 years, Angelica was once even forbidden by law to steal.  Commonly grown in personal gardens for the health of the home, Angelica was believed to protect against evil, illness and the plague.

Angelica contains components that aid in stimulating digestion, help to lower blood pressure, regulate menstruation, aid in childbirth, ease cramps and pains related to periods and gas, help calm stomach ulcer inflammation, and relieve symptoms related to the cold and flu.

Angelica is an antimitotic, antiproliferative, chemopreventative, antiulceragenic, antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, antitussive, emmenagogue, diaphoretic/sudorific, aromatic, bitter, carminative, cordial, expectorant, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, and tonic.

Angelica is bioactive; it fights against mutations that lead to cancer, inhibits the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, protects against carcinogenic and polycyclic hydrocarbons, and protects against the development of stomach ulcers. Furthermore, Angelica is antimocrobial, inhibiting the accumulation of fructose (though the stems contain higher amounts of sugars and should be avoided in you're diabetic).

All parts of the Angelica plant have been and are implemented in medicine; though the root is most often used. The raw stems are eaten in Scandinavia, and in Greenland it is often consumed as a vegetable. Traditionally the stems are candied. The fresh bruised, or dried, root can be taken in tea, made into extracts, or into essential oil for aromatherapy. 

DO NOT CONSUME ANGELICA IF you're diabetic without first consulting your doctor, if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications for lowering blood pressure; Angelica can cause contact dermatitis if not diluted enough, has been known to cause photosensitivities in high amounts, and is toxic in large quantities. The essential oil should NEVER be consumed.

In addition to the medicinal aspects, Angelica archangelica is a good addition in working Magick involving protection, breaking hexes, and blessings. Angelica is very useful as a tool in home cleansings and exorcisms. Inhaling the smoke of the burning leaves increases clairvoyance and helps open the Third Eye.

Brightest blessings, Starshines.
To a happier and healthier you...

~ Tanya Capps ~
Herbal Witchcraft Magazine 

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