American angelica
StarAngelica atropurpurea
Synonyms: Archangelica atropurpurea, Angelica laurentiana, Angelica atropurpurea var. occidentalis, Selinum atropurpureum
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
American angelica was widely used by Native American peoples of eastern North America. The Iroquois employed root preparations as an analgesic, cold remedy, diaphoretic, blood medicine, and for pulmonary and orthopedic complaints (Herrick, 1977). The Cherokee used the root as a carminative, cold remedy, and for throat and oral ailments (Hamel & Chiltoskey, 1975), while the Menominee applied it as an analgesic and dermatological aid (Smith, 1923). The Delaware took root infusions as a gastrointestinal aid (Tantaquidgeon, 1942). It was also adopted into Euro-American domestic herbal practice as an aromatic stimulant and carminative bitter.
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Botanical Description
Angelica atropurpurea is a stout, short-lived perennial herb of the carrot family (Apiaceae) reaching 1–2 m in height. It produces smooth, hollow stems that are conspicuously purple to dark reddish-purple, arising from a thick, aromatic taproot. The large leaves are two- to three-times pinnately compound, with broad, sharply toothed leaflets and inflated sheathing petiole bases that clasp the stem. Tiny greenish-white flowers are borne in large, rounded, many-rayed compound umbels up to 15 cm across, blooming in early to midsummer and giving way to flattened, ribbed, winged schizocarp fruits. Native to eastern and central North America, it ranges from Labrador and Quebec south to West Virginia and west to Minnesota and Iowa. It favours wet ground, growing in swamps, marshes, wet meadows, streambanks, and the margins of fens and rich bottomland woods. The whole plant is strongly aromatic when bruised.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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