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- ANGELICA : Angelica archangelica
-
- Other Names : Archangelica officinalis, Garden Angelica, Archangel,
- Masterwort.
-
- Habitat : Originally a native of Syria, but now has been
- naturalized in Europe and the United States. It grows up
- to 6 feet in height and, as it likes a shady position
- and moist soil, you should plant it toward the rear of
- your herb garden. It comes from the same family as
- fennel and parsley, and possesses the same
- characteristic hollow, fluted stems of all these
- Umbelliferae. Its highly serrated leaves grow in
- bunches of three, and it exudes a sin-like fragrance
- when bruised. It is hardy biennial herb (that is, it
- takes two years to reach maturity) and is extremely easy
- to grow from seed, root cutting, or seedling. However,
- if you plant from seed, make absolutely sure the seeds
- are freshly harvested, as they lose their vitality very
- quickly.
-
- Properties : The herb contains, amoung other things, a volitile
- aromatic oil, sugar, valeric acid, angelic acid, and a
- resin known as angelicin. Herbalists use it to aid in
- the elimination of toxins, the recovery from rheumatism
- and colds, urinary complaints, and colic.
-
- Root Dosage : infuse 1 ounce dried chopped root in 1 pint boiling
- water for 1/2 hour in a covered container. Drink 2
- tablespoons of the liquid, flavoured with honey if you
- wish, 3 or 4 times daily.
-
- Seed Dosage : Infuse 1 teaspoon seed in 1 cup boiling water; cover.
- Allow to stand until cool; strain and drink 1 to 2 cups
- cold a day, again flavoured with honey if desired.
-