Archangelica (Angelica archangelica)

Archangelica (Angelica archangelica) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to Northern Europe, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. Traditionally, its roots, stems, and leaves have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its antispasmodic, tonic, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Archangelica (Angelica archangelica) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Archangelica (Angelica archangelica) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Archangelica
Scientific Name	Angelica archangelica
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Angelica
Species	archangelica
Native Range	Northern Europe, Central Europe, Eastern Europe
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Stems, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Antispasmodic, Tonic, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Angelica archangelica
Common Name: Archangelica
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Garden Angelica, Common Angelica, Giant Angelica
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Angelica

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glaucous green and lower surface pale white, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of clustered umbels with white flowers, each flower having five ovate petals, actinomorphic symmetry, and a central yellowish disc.
Stems: Elongated, hollow, cylindrical stems with a smooth surface, exhibiting a distinct ringed structure and a pith that is white and spongy.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a soothing antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a cooling tonic, for broad-use formulations.
Carminative: Commonly referenced as a mild carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Bitter: In herbal literature, noted as a warming bitter, for flavor-based applications.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Glycoside: A broad class of compounds composed of a sugar bound to a non-sugar component.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautionary guidance for this herb is not clearly established in available sources.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moist but well-drained soil. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.