The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Angelica
The Power of Herbs: Herbs and Spices

ORIGINS

Angelica is an herb in the parsley family. The plant is tall with large compound umbels of white or greenish flowers. The stems can be candied and eaten, and the roots can be used for flavoring liqueurs. Angelica is native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Norway, Lithuania, and Russia. Angelica comes from the Greek angelos, meaning “messenger.”

HISTORY/LORE

According to legend, an angel came to a monk in a dream to reveal a plant that would cure the plague (hence the name). Angelica is one of the main ingredients in Carmelite water, a lemon balm—based tonic created by Carmelite monks in the 1600s to cure headaches, promote relaxation, and protect the drinker against poisons and spells. A related herb called Chinese angelica, or dong quai, has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.

USES

Healing Uses: Angelica is used to cure fevers, colds, and coughs, and it is particularly effective as an expectorant to clear chest congestion. It is also helpful for bringing on menstruation and relieving bloating or cramps; pregnant women should not use angelica, as it could cause a miscarriage. Angelica contains compounds that act like calcium channel blockers, which are used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, migraines, and Raynaud’s disease.

Magical Uses: Angelica protects against negative energy and attracts positive energy. Grow angelica in the garden to protect the home. Sprinkle dried angelica leaves in the four corners of the home to ward off evil spirits. Burn dried angelica leaves for exorcism. Add angelica to bathwater to remove curses, hexes, or spells. Use angelica root in potpourri.

Personal/Spiritual Growth: Angelica relaxes the mind and stimulates the imagination. It offers strength and balance and is especially helpful during difficult times when you feel cut off from your inner self. As an essential oil, angelica has a revitalizing effect, making it useful for when you’re going through a sluggish period.