Angelica Uses

Angelica Uses: A Bold, Aromatic Ally in Herbalism

At La Ferme À Ciel Sur Mer, we grow angelica not just for its dramatic presence in the garden, but for the deep, grounding support it offers. This tall, luminous plant—with its towering stalks and globe-shaped umbels—is one of the tallest and most dramatic herbs we grow on the farm.
In this post, we’ll share how we work with angelica, why it holds such a beloved spot in our herb garden, and how you might welcome it into your own apothecary.

What Is Angelica?

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a biennial member of the Apiaceae family, making it a cousin to parsley, fennel, and carrot. Native to Northern and Eastern Europe, it can grow over six feet tall, sending up dramatic flowering stalks in its second year that absolutely hum with bees and other pollinators.
The whole plant is aromatic—musky, earthy, a little spicy—and every part has been used traditionally: roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. There’s something ancient about angelica, a presence that feels both powerful and protective.

Traditional and Modern Uses of Angelica

Angelica has long been valued for its warming, gently stimulating qualities. It’s one of those herbs that seems to move energy—through the belly, the lungs, and the limbs. In both traditional and modern herbal practice, it’s often used as a:

  • Digestive tonic

  • Circulatory stimulant

  • Respiratory support herb

  • Menstrual ally

  • Warming, aromatic herb for cold, damp constitutions

Let’s take a closer look at how angelica might support you:

1. Digestive Aid

Angelica root shines in bitters formulas—it’s warming, aromatic, and gets things moving. If your digestion tends to be sluggish, cold, or bloated, angelica can offer gentle, stimulating support.

 How we use it:

  • A few drops of tincture before meals

  • Blended with other herbs in a homemade bitters formula

  • Infused into teas for those cold, slow belly days

2. Respiratory Support

When the lungs feel heavy or damp—like during a lingering winter cold—angelica brings movement and warmth. It helps open the chest and ease stuck congestion (see our article on Herbal actions and expectorants).

 How we use it:

  • Root decoction in steam inhalations

  • Combined with elecampane or thyme in a warming tea or syrup

3. Menstrual Support

Angelica’s warming nature can support menstrual flow in formulas for cold, stagnant conditions. It’s sometimes compared to dong quai (Angelica sinensis), though the two are distinct.
 Note: Angelica is not safe during pregnancy.

Angelica in the Garden and Apothecary

We grow angelica not only for its herbal uses, but for the sheer joy of its presence. Tall, fragrant, inviting pollinators with open arms - It takes up space in the best way.
In the apothecary, we harvest the root in the spring of the second year, before flowering begins. It’s hard to believe that plants can even survive the cold Charlevoix winters let alone get a head start, but angelica comes out of winter with a bang. It grows quickly and its roots to doo. Once dried, the root retains its pungent, spicy scent and stores beautifully for tinctures, teas, and oxymels.

Taste and Energetics

Angelica is pungent, warming, slightly bitter, and aromatic. It brings movement where there’s stagnation and warmth where there’s chill.
 In Western energetics, it’s:

  • Warming

  • Drying

  • Stimulating

It pairs beautifully with:

  • Ginger

  • Cardamom

  • Fennel

  • Cinnamon

Soothing Tea

How to Use Angelica Root Safely

  • Avoid during pregnancy

  • Use caution with blood-thinning medications

  • Start small to gauge your body’s response, especially if you’re new to bitters

Recipes and Preparations

Here are a few of our favorite ways to prepare and enjoy angelica:

Digestive Tea Blend

  • 1 part dried angelica root

  • 1 part fennel seed

  • 1 part chamomile flowers
     Steep 1 tsp per cup of hot water for 10–15 minutes. Sip before or after meals to support digestion.

 

Root Tincture

A tincture of the dried root can be made at a 1:5 ratio in 40% alcohol. It’s a warming, aromatic base for digestive or winter wellness formulas.

Digestive Oxymel

Combine dried angelica root with ginger and orange peel in a blend of apple cider vinegar and honey. Let it infuse for 2–4 weeks, strain, and enjoy a spoonful before meals.

A Plant With Presence

Angelica isn’t quiet. It arrives with scent, stature, and strength. Whether you're sipping it in tea, blending it into bitters, or simply admiring its towering blooms, angelica invites connection—with your body, with the seasons, and with herbal tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is angelica the same as dong quai?
No. Dong quai is Angelica sinensis, traditionally used in Chinese medicine. Angelica archangelica is native to Europe and has its own unique character.

Can I grow angelica at home?
Absolutely. It prefers cool climates and moist, rich soil. Start from seed and plan to harvest the root in the fall of the first year.

What does angelica taste like?
Aromatic, spicy, earthy—somewhere between celery, anise, and pepper.

Is angelica safe for children?
It’s quite potent and generally best reserved for adult use unless working under guidance.

 

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