Angelica
Angelica archangelica
Angelica is also referred to as Wild celery, masterwort and dang gui (China).Angelica is a robust, aromatic, short-lived perennial with thick, hollow stems and long-stalked, deeply divided leaves, with tiny green-white flowers appearing, followed by ovate ridged seeds. Angelica is a bittersweet, aromatic,and anti-inflammatory herb that increases perspiration, lowers fever, and has anti spasmodic and expectorant properties.

Ideal Site Angelica likes rich, light soil in partial shade.

Cultivation- Sow the seeds in August in the place where you want the Angelica to flower. Thin the seedlings to 15cm apart. If you don't allow the flower heads to form Angelica will grow for several years. If you permit the seed head to develop and drop the plant will self-seed quite easily.

Problems- Generally problem free.

Parts Used- The leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and oil are used.
General Uses- The root of Angelica can be utilized for making tea along with the stems are the parts which can be candied for cake decoration. The leaves can be added to cooking rhubarb, gooseberries, redcurrants and plums as a natural sweetening agent to these often sour fruits. Syrup produced from the stems and leaves can be stored and diluted to use as a drink and tea made from the dried leaves is said to be good for soothing the nerves, tension, colds coughs and rheumatism.

It should not be taken by those suffering from diabetes.The essential oil produced from angelica root is used as an all-over tonic, purifying the blood, "grounding" the person and for digestive problems.  It is a boost for the lymphatic system, and a valuable oil to use after illness, to help clear the body of toxins. It has some excellent anti-fungal properties, yet is lacking in antimicrobial activity.

Cosmetic Uses- Angelica also has a cosmetic use. Fill a muslin bag with Angelica leaves and dangle it in your bath• Aromatherapy and essential oil use

External Uses- The external uses of the European herb include poultices for rheumatic pain.

Internal uses: Angelica is mostly used for;

o stimulating gastric juices
o flatulence
o stomach cramps
o antispasmodic properties
o cholagogue effect
o reducing menopausal symptoms
o premenstrual syndrome
o allergies
o reducing muscle spasms