Angelica

Botanical Name: Angelica archangelica

Herb Type/Actions: Bitter, Restorative, Digestive Aid, Sweat-Inducing, Anti-inflammatory Support, Astringent

Parts Utilized: Roots

Taste Profile: Bitter, pungent, aromatic, slightly spicy

Energetic Properties: Warming

Traditional Uses: Promotes immune health, supports respiratory function, aids digestion, enhances reproductive wellness

Angelica is like that no-nonsense friend who gives you just the push you need. Known for its bold and spicy nature, Angelica Root is a stimulating digestive tonic that rekindles internal warmth, particularly aiding “cold and sluggish” digestion. Its fiery qualities not only enhance physical digestion but also help uplift the spirit, invigorating both body and mind with renewed vitality.*

Historically revered in traditional Western herbalism, Angelica archangelica (distinct from the Asian variety, A. sinensis) traces its origins to Europe and North America. This parsley-family plant thrives in marshy, damp terrains, hinting at its natural affinity for addressing moisture imbalances, including those found in gut health. Although its stalks and leaves are edible, it is the roots that hold the highest therapeutic value.

What are the benefits of Angelica Root? This potent herb supports key systems in the body, including immunity, respiratory health, digestion, and reproduction. Specifically, it is suited for “cold” digestion—where insufficient digestive heat hinders proper breakdown and assimilation of nutrients. Low digestive fire can lead to internal “dampness,” making Angelica’s gut-balancing properties a vital ally for restoring harmony.

Used in teas, tonics, or encapsulated forms, Angelica Root warms the body, dispels stagnation, and promotes movement. Its stimulating qualities assist with sluggish digestion, help maintain mucus and phlegm balance in the lungs, and encourage bile production for enhanced digestion. In essence, Angelica is a dynamic herb that restores balance and momentum to a body and mind that feel stuck or weighed down.

The warming and uplifting aspects of Angelica extend beyond the physical. Traditionally, this herb has been used to calm the nervous system, supporting the shift into a relaxed, parasympathetic state when stress takes over. It’s also celebrated for its mood-enhancing properties, bringing clarity, optimism, and emotional balance. After challenging experiences, Angelica Root has been known to lift spirits, stimulate creativity, and revitalize mental clarity—clearing the inner “dampness” that clouds our connection to imagination and purpose. Spiritually, Angelica is said to open pathways to deeper connections with nature, spiritual guides, and ancestral wisdom, clearing the heart-mind channel for intuitive insight.

Interestingly, bears are observed eating Angelica Root in spring to awaken their systems and stimulate their appetites after hibernation. Similarly, Angelica can help rekindle our own digestive fire and zest for life when we’re feeling sluggish.