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Masterwort | | Name : | Masterwort | | Botanical : | Imperatoria ostruthium | | Synonyms : | Amara aromatica
American angelica
Archangel
Archangelica
Bellyache root
Dead nettle
European wild angelica
Garden angelica
Goutweed
High angelica
Holy herb
Masterwort
Purple angelica
Purplestem angelica
Wild angelica
Wild celery
| | Family : | Umbelliferae | | Parts Used : | Roots, leaves, seeds, stems. | | Habitat : | Botanists place Angelica archangelica in the carrot family (Apiaceae-Umbelliferae). Native to northern Europe, it is more common in Scandinavia, Greenland, and Iceland than on the coasts of the North Sea and the Baltic, where it is relatively scarce. It grows in cool, damp meadows, but also in the valleys of low mountain ranges. It was unknown to the Greeks and Romans.
Angelica atropurpurea (known as purplestem angelica), a North American native, has similar properties and uses. | | Description : | Masterwort, though rare in the wild state, was formerly cultivated in this country for use as a pot-herb and in medicine. It is sometimes found in moist meadows in the north of England and in Scotland, but is generally regarded as naturalized, having originally been a garden escape. Its native habitat is Central Europe.
---Description- | | Constituents : | Essential oil with phellandrene, angelica acid, coumarin compounds, bitter principle and tannins
Stimulates appetite, carminative, expectorant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, diuretic | | Uses : | Stimulant, antispasmodic, carminative; of use in asthma, dyspepsia, menstrual complaints. The root, to quote Culpepper, 'is the hottest and sharpest part of the plant, hotter than pepper, and (in his opinion) very available in cold griefs and diseases both of the stomach and body.'He tells us that it was also used 'in a decoction with wine against all cold rheums, distillations upon the lungs or shortness of breath,' and also states that it was considered effectual in dropsy, cramp, falling sickness, kidney and uterine troubles and gout. Also that 'it is of a rare quality against all sorts of cold poison, to be taken as there is a cause; it provoketh sweat.'
'But,' he advises, 'lest the taste hereof or of the seed, should be too offensive, the best way is to take the water distilled both from the herb and root.' | | Dosage : | The recipe for genuine Angelica Liqueur, 'Vespetro.'2 oz. (60 g) angelica seeds, 1/4 oz (8 g) of anise seeds, 1/4 (8 g) oz of fennel seeds, and approximately 1/5 oz. (6 g) of coriander seeds are ground together in a seed mill. 8 fluid oz. (200 g) of pure drinkable alcohol (not rubbing alcohol) is added and the preparation allowed to stand for 8 days. It is then strained through muslin and mixed with a solution of 1 lb. (500 g) of sugar (preferably grape sugar) dissolved in 2 1/2 pints (1-1.5 liters) of water. (chopped angelica root may be used if seeds unattainable)Of this recipe it has been said: 'There is no better or more pleasant remedy for digestive troubles or flatulence.'
For Angelica archangelica:
An infusion: use 1 tsp. crushed seeds with 1/2 cup boiling water. Take as needed.
Decoction: use 1 tsp. root and rootstock with 3/4 cup cold water. Bring to a boil, then let steep 5 minutes. Take the 3/4 cup in 2 equal parts during the day.
Cold Extract: use 1 tsp. dried root and rootstock with 3/4 cup water. Let stand 8-10 hours, then strain. Take 1 to 1 1/2 cups per day.
Powder: take 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. three times per day.
Extract: external; rub liquid directly on affected areas.
Extract: internal; mix 10-30 drops of extract in liquid, take 3 times a day. | | Safety : | Do Not take angelica if you are pregnant or have severe diabetes. Angelica has a tendency to increase the sugar in the urine.
Angelica archangelica has been identified as a suspected carcinogen in recent years.This drug will render you sensitive to light. Use of angelica for a fairly long time, will cause contraindicate ultraviolet or tanning salon treatments as well as strong sunlight for the duration.
Large doses can affect blood pressure, heart action, and respiration. To avoid these problems, do not exceed recommended dose.
Please Note: Angelica belongs to the Apiaceae Umbelliferae, a family with many poisonous members that can be mistaken for this medicinal plant. Wild angelica (Angelica Sylvestris) can be confused with European water hemlock, which is poisonous. Do Not collect angelica yourself under any circumstances! It is recommended that angelica not be harvested unless positively identified by a trained botanist, habitat being the same as for the poisonous varieties. | | Myths : | With blossoms scheduled to appear annually on the 8th of May, the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, angelica is said to possess mystical powers against disease and evil. One reference claims this herb was named after the Archangel Raphael, who according to a 10th century French legend, revealed the secrets of this herb to a monk for use during a plague epidemic. In old-world Latvia, peasants would march into town with armloads off the fragrant herb and suddenly burst into song in languages that no one, not even the singers, understood.Like a surprising number of plants, angelica was unknown to the ancients. Although found in the northern and temperate regions of Europe and eastward all the way to the Himalayas, it does not seem to have attracted attention until the 15th century and first appeared in European herbals in the early 1500's. Its name reflects the legend that an angel revealed its special virtues to a monk during a time of plague. Angelica wasn't believed to cure the plague but protect against it; a piece of root was held in the mouth as an antiseptic. In Germany, it was known as the root of the holy ghost and was believed to eliminate the effects of intoxication and also to render witchcraft and the evil eye harmless. In England, where it was also known as bellyache root, dried angelica roots were made into powder and mixed into wine to 'abate the rage of lust in young persons.' The plant was also given symbolic qualities: angelica stands for magic and poetic inspiration. | | Sold : | Capsules |
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