Angelica - Herbs for Healing Newsletter

Angelica is a traditional and very versatile remedy for chest problems like coughs, pleurisy and other respiratory congestion, especially when they appear with fever and influenza-type symptoms.

Due to its high content of calming or carminative essential oils it also calms the digestive tract and helps with wind, indigestion and weak digestion.

It will ease wind as soon as you chew parts of the stem. The bitter constituents of the plant stimulate the secretion of gastric juices which will improve the digestive processes significantly. The gallbladder will also be addressed to release important digestive enzymes.

For people suffering from anorexia nervosa Angelica stimulates the appetite.

Angelica should not be taken by people with blood sugar problems because it seems to increase the sugar level in the urine.

Some authorities warn that taking high doses of Angelica tincture or fluid extract may interfere with anticoagulant medicine because of the plant’s content of coumarin.

Another caution: The furocoumarins in Angelica can increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis.

When taken as a medicine it stimulates the peripheral circulation and warms hands and feet which might be one reason why the herb can be helpful to ease symptoms of gout..

Angelica Ointment

To make Angelica ointment infuse 100g of grated Angelica root in 500ml of vegetable oil.

Let this stand in the sun for about four weeks, then filter the oil and solidify it with beeswax.

This ointment can help with blocked sinuses and congestion in the upper airways.

Without the beeswax one can use the Angelica oil to massage aching joints and might find relief.

Angelica root for internal use

To take Angelica root internally put ½ tsp of the dried root into a mug of cold water, bring to boil and let infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.

Drink one or two mugs daily. If you prefer Angelica tincture take 20 drops two or three times daily.

Instead of the root one can use the seed or leaves of the plant which have a more gentle but still a good effect.


A newsletter in association with the Sturminster Newton Transition Town Group. Part of the Transition Town Network.

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