Baldwins Angelica Root ( Angelica Archangelica )

Angelica archangelica [radix]

Origin: Poland

16th century, Swiss alchemist and physician, Paracelsus, credited Angelica for arresting the spread of the plague in Milan, 1510.

Within Sami tradition, the root is held sacred and eaten raw as a ceremonial food, it is offere as a gift of respect and used by healers for in-depth work.

Nordic perspective symbolises Angelica root as the food of endurance; for travellers on challenging journeys and warriors on battlefields.

Culpeper notes that the root caters to the heart, blood and spirit, in order to defend the self. Back in the 19th century, the root was turned into candy and sold as confectionary in English and French stores.

Health perks:

The lactone and coumarin compounds of Angelica root initiate digestive secretions like saliva, hydrochloric acid, bile and pancreatic enzymes to stimulate digestion. This helps with bloating, gas and indigestion.Usually, bitters are cooling, but with Angelica root, due to its aromatic compounds, it is warming, and altogether this can help with low stomach acid. Across European folk medicine, the root is used during the Spring time in cleansing protocols. Its role is to invigorate the liver; influencing its eliminating and rejuvenating functions to optimise its capacity to process and discard metabolic waste, toxins and that which shouldn't be stored in or circulating the body.

The root helps with eliminating excess mucus and congestion from the bronchioles and lungs. Therefore, it can help with emphysema and chronic bronchitis and as it is antispasmodic, it can help bring relief to bronchospams and ease asthma.

A great circulatory herb that invigorates the blood to flow; that which holds Qi, thus improving energy all-round, especially in individuals with hypersensitivity to the cold. Angelica root is a profound restorative herb that builds up warmth and uplifts melancholy from the winter season. In connection with the nervous system, the root can be used to dispel adrenal exhaustion and uplift energy levels (as stated before). Furthermore, can be used to support individuls with headaches induced by nervousness, anxiety, and neuralgia.

This herb is helpful for individuals with dysmenorrhea, where cramping can feel brutal, it warms the uterus and removes stagnancy from the blood to allow flow (especially if you have clots). Additionally, it can help with amenorrhea (absent periods) and menstrual irregularity. Angelica root is an anticoagulant due to its coumarin content, which prevents stagnation and clotting. Thus, has been used alongside post-partum recovery to cleanse retained blood and restore uterine tone.

P.S. ***If pregnant/ nursing, or there are health imbalances that require attention, it is always wise to consult a qualified herbal practitioner... even before trying a new remedy.