Angelica has a long history of medical, magical, and culinary tales to its credit.  In the past it has been used for such diverse medical problems as chest congestion, insomnia, flatulence, headaches, fevers, skin rashes, wounds, rheumatism, toothaches, to promote menstrual flow, and to induce abortions.  Obviously many of these have not been borne out by modern science, but this is a plant that does have some medicinal merit, particularly with regard to digestive concerns and bronchial problems.

Try making an infusion for bronchial problems by pouring boiling water over 1 ounce of  bruised or cut Angelica root (harvest the root in the fall of  the first year of growth).  Cover and let sit for about 30 minutes.  Bottle, then take 2 tablespoons 3-4 times per day.  This also has some merit as an expectorant.   

To aid in digestion, try a cup of Angelica tea after dinner.  Please see the How to Make Herbal Teas section of this site for further instructions. 

To use Angelica as a cough syrup, boil 2-3 whole Angelica roots in a quart of water.  Strain and add enough honey to make it a syrupy consistency.  Take two tablespoons up to 3 times per day for relief of cough and congestion. 

Angelica is also said to ease the pain of arthritis.  Make a Tea, and drink 1-2 cups per day.  Add honey to taste for an additional sweetener, if desired.  

Lastly, after a stressful day, cut some Angelica leaves or stem, place in a cheesecloth bag or the foot of some old hosiery, and drop in the bath for some home-made aromatherapy.   

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