Angelica, Norwegian angelica

Angelica archangelica

Physical Characteristics

Angelica archangelica is a BIENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Condiment Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 4, 14, 27, 37, 52]. A liquorice-like flavour[183], they can be used as a flavouring in mixed salads[K]. They are also used to sweeten tart fruits[K]. Stalks and young shoots - cooked or raw[2, 37]. The stalks should be peeled[115], they can be used like celery[183]. They can also be used to sweeten tart fruits[52] and to make jam[244]. They are often crystallised in sugar and used as sweets and cake decorations[244]. The stems are best harvested in the spring[244]. An essential oil is obtained from the root and seeds, it is used as a food flavouring[46, 57, 100, 183]. Root - cooked[2]. Seed - used as a flavouring in liqueurs such as Chartreuse[244]. A tea can be made from the leaves, seed or roots[183].

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Appetizer Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Expectorant Stimulant Stomachic Tonic Urinary Angelica has a long folk-history of use as a medicinal herb, in particular for the treatment of digestive disorders and problems with blood circulation[4, 254]. The root is the most active medicinally, it should be harvested in the autumn of its first year of growth, sliced longitudinally if necessary and dried quickly[4]. If well stored, the root retains its medicinal virtues for many years[4]. The leaves and seeds can also be used[4]. The leaves are harvested and dried in late spring before the plant comes into flower[244]. The plant is antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic, tonic[4, 9, 14, 21, 46, 165]. An infusion is used to ease flatulence, indigestion, chronic bronchitis and typhus[244]. It stimulates blood flow to the peripheral parts of the body and so is of value in treating poor circulation - it is considered a specific treatment for Buerger's disease, a condition that narrows the arteries of the hands and feet[254]. Angelica is contra-indicated for people with a tendency towards diabetes since its use can increase sugar levels in the urine[4]. This plant should not be prescribed for pregnant women[238], nor should the juice be allowed to come into contact with the eyes[244]. An essential oil from the seeds is sometimes used as a rub to relieve rheumatic conditions[244]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Angelica archangelica fruit for fevers and colds, infection of the urinary tract, dyspeptic complaints and loss of appetite. The root has been approved for dyspeptic complaints and loss of appetite. (see [302] for critics of commission E). No health hazards or side-effects if the proper administration of therapeutic dosages. Avoid sunbathing and intensive UV radiation for the duration of a treatment [301].

Known Hazards

All members of this genus contain furocoumarins, which increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis[238].