The Angelica Plant is in the Apiacea Family, and is widely distributed in many areas of the world, including as far north are Lapland and Greenland. It is a tall perennial herbaceous plant, and can reach heights of 3 to 9 feet when mature, topped by large umbrella like greenish white flower tops. The highest percentage of active constituents such as furocoumarins are found in the roots and rhizomes, which is the part of the plant used to make herbal extracts.
Angelica root (Angelica archangelica) is closely related to Dong Quai, one of the most respected female tonics * in the traditional Chinese system. The root, seed, and fruit are used as a powdered herb or a liquid extract. Angelica root is also considered to be warming and stimulating to the lungs *. Angelica Root has a long history of traditional use among those who use herbs for magic and good luck, probably due to its powerful balancing effects on many body systems *. The roots have been used as a food by the natives of Lapland and have also been used as flavoring agent in Gin.
