by Belinda Brown

Created on: October 02, 2010

Angelica has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is quite popular as a natural alternative for common ailments. Angelica is usually found in North America and grows mainly within marshy and swampy areas. Care should be taken when collecting Angelica as it is nearly identical to the toxic water hemlock which grows in the same area. It is recommended that only professional herbalists should collect the herb.

Although it can be found in North America, angelica is actually native to China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries.

Like many herbs, angelica has been known to assist with a wide range of ailments, particularly digestive problems. Angelica is beneficial at treating indigestion, heartburn, gastritis and flatulence .The herb can be taken as a tea made from the leaves of the plant or an infusion made from the leave and root.

Angelica is known to contain expectorant properties making it an excellent decongestant. The herb is effective at treating bronchitis and viral infections such as colds and flu's. Angelica is widely used to treat common ailments such as headaches and toothaches. It can also be beneficial to those who suffer with insomnia. Angelica is thought to be beneficial for lowering fever and high temperatures due to illness.

Angelica is known to help relieve menstrual pain and cramping and it has been known to relieve symptoms that are associated with menopause. Angelica helps to keep the female hormone oestrogen levels balanced. Angelica is said to be beneficial at purifying the blood and flushing toxins and free radicals from the body. It can also cure fatigue and relieve stress related symptoms.

Caution should be taken when digesting the herb, especially with women who are planning to get pregnant or if they are in the early stages of pregnancy. Angelica has been known to cause miscarriages and should be avoided all together.

Apart from Angelica's many health benefits and medicinal properties, the herb has some interesting myths and folklore behind it. During the years of the black plague, it has been said that a monk had dreamt of a beautiful angel who had insisted to him that the juice from the angelica plant would cure the infectious and deadly disease. Perhaps this is how the herb had gotten its namesake from. During earlier years, people would wear the flower from the Angelica plant around their necks as they believed it would ward off evil and vexatious spirits.

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