Lisa Karen Miller

Angelica archangelica is named after the archangel Michael, who cast Lucifer out of Paradise. (See my Blackberry post to read about his prickly fate.) It should be harvested on his feast day, September 29, to enhance its power. Michaelmas is also the namesake of the Michaelmas Daisy, which blooms in late summer.

Because it is said to bloom on Michael’s day in the old calendar (May 8), it has protective powers against witchcraft and evil spirits.

As many of us will be off to grandmother’s house for the holidays, you might want to pack some of this useful herb for those who suffer from car sickness, along with a bit of candied ginger – the old one-two punch to knock out nausea.

Modern practitioners of magic say that it is masculine in gender and ruled by the sun. Its element is fire and its deity is Venus, the love goddess. 

Gotta be some fireworks there.

Contrarily, it was used during the Middle Ages to quell the lust of adolescents.

One tale says that a monk was visited by Michael, who told him that this plant could cure the plague.  In a world with primitive medicine and few practitioners of it available, whenever plague epidemics appeared, so did thousands of hawkers, quacks, and snake oil salesmen, ready to fleece the innocent and ignorant. The plague was so terrifying, people would try anything to ward it off.

Angelica has historically been used in magic for centuries and was believed to have the power to defend against witches. Pagans and Christians used it in similar fashions, in purification rituals and exorcisms. It became known as the root of the Holy Ghost.

The roots, seeds, and leaves have been used as both a culinary and medicinal herb for centuries.  The Chinese call it Dang Gui and use it to harmonize blood, disperse cold, and stop pain.

This tall woody perennial thrives in slightly acid soil and is easy to grow from seed. In the garden, it is a good companion for apple trees, blueberries, carrots, chives, and rhubarb. Keep it away from dill, fennel, and mint. They will interfere with growth and affect the flavor. Pest repellers like marigold and garlic will make it virtually carefree.

Consider adding this member of the celery family to your garden this spring. Michael will definitely smile upon you.

© Copyright 2023 Lisa Karen Miller