Description
Angelica archangelica is an aromatic herb, used for medicine and as a flavoring in confectionery, bitters and liqueurs. All parts of the plant contain the aromatic properties, but it is primarily the root that is used for medicinal purposes.

Angelica archangelica has been grown and used for centuries in Northern Europe, and was brought over to the new world by early immigrants. It grows four to six feet high, has large, much divided leaves, and prefers moist fields.

There are dozens of other Angelica species, most of which are said not to share in the medicinal properties of Angelica archangelica, though as noted below, Native Americans used Angelica atropurpurea medicinally.

Science - We haven't found any scientific studies for this yet, if you know of any, please let us know!

Folklore
One legend has it that Angelica was revealed by an angel in a dream as the cure for the plague. Others claim that it blooms on Michael the Archangel's day, and so protects against evil spirits and witchcraft of all sorts.

Among Europeans Angelica archangelica has been used as the remedy for coughs, colds, pleurisy, flatulence and colic. It is stimulating and an expectorant. In earlier times it was used to treat typhoid fever. It is also said to helpful in treating chronic rheumatism and gout. There are also claims that it can be used to help cure alchoholism, by creating "a disgust for spirituous liquors."

The Cherokee people used Angelica atropurpurea for food (young stalks were eaten) and boiled the root to produce tonic medicine that was taken by women with obstructed menses or nervous conditions, or by anyone with cough or cold symptoms. It was also given to children exhibiting flatulent colic symptoms.

WARNING!
Do not gather Angelica from the wild unless you are very sure of your ability to properly identify this plant. It closely resembles the highly poisonus Water Hemlock plant.

Angelica should not be taken by diabetics as it causes an increase in sugar in the urine. Nor should this herb be used during pregnancy or while nursing. There are some reports that this herb may cause hypersensitivity to sunlight, rashes or nausea in those allergic to the furocoumarins it contains.

There have been scattered reports that Angelica, or some parts of the Angelica plant are poisonous, but these are unfounded. Most likely, the plant is being confused with Water Hemlock. There are even reports from Alaska that some wild Angelica species have cross-bred with Water Hemlock, though others dismiss this assertion as being due to mis-identification.

Common Sense - would dictate that this herb is worth a try, to relieve cold symptoms or excess flatulence. It is not, however, worth gambling your life on -- so don't use wild-gathered plants.