Angelica archangelica

Angelica archangelica, sometimes called “the Root of the Holy Ghost” in English, “Angélique officinale” or simply “Angélique” in French, belongs to the Apiaceae botanical family.

It is native throughout the temperate zones of Europe and Asia, especially in the northern regions.

Roots of the plant are used as a medicine and stems are used as a candy in cakes after being cooked in sugar. The medicinal applications are mainly digestive, stimulation of appetite, treatment of spasms and general improvement of digestion.

Roots, stems and seeds contain an essential oil. The oil chemical composition depends on the geographical origin of the plant. The main components are α-pinene, δ-3-carene, limonene and α-phellandrene. Triterpenes like alpha-Amyrin and Lupeol, as well as coumarins like Osthol and Xanthotoxin are other significant components.

• English name Garden angelica
• French name Angélique officinale