Angelica Root
Angelica Atropurpurea
Also known as Garden Angelica and Root of the Holy Ghost
History: The Angelica Root herb is a tall, stout plant with large white flowers and can grow to a height of between four and six feet. There are two main species of the Angelica plant. Angelica archangelica is native to northern Europe, where it was anciently believed to protect against disease and evil spirits. Angelica atropurpurea is native to eastern North America. Native Americans used Angelica to enhance and improve energy especially for the elderly, hunters, and new mothers. Today Angelica is popular amongst organic herbs because it contains vitamins B12, fructose, glucose, magnesium, iron, potassium, thiamin, sucrose, zinc and trace minerals. It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant.
Modern Uses: The Commission E approved angelica for loss of appetite, peptic discomforts such as mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, feeling of fullness, and flatulence.
The German Standard License indicates the use of angelica root tea for treatment of complaints such as feeling of fullness, flatulence, and mild cramp-like gastrointestinal disturbances, as well as stomach conditions such as insufficient formation of gastric juice. In India, it is used to treat anorexia nervosa and flatulent dyspepsia