ANGELICA : Angelica archangelica Other Names : Archangelica officinalis, Garden Angelica, Archangel, Masterwort. Habitat : Originally a native of Syria, but now has been naturalized in Europe and the United States. It grows up to 6 feet in height and, as it likes a shady position and moist soil, you should plant it toward the rear of your herb garden. It comes from the same family as fennel and parsley, and possesses the same characteristic hollow, fluted stems of all these Umbelliferae. Its highly serrated leaves grow in bunches of three, and it exudes a sin-like fragrance when bruised. It is hardy biennial herb (that is, it takes two years to reach maturity) and is extremely easy to grow from seed, root cutting, or seedling. However, if you plant from seed, make absolutely sure the seeds are freshly harvested, as they lose their vitality very quickly. Properties : The herb contains, amoung other things, a volitile aromatic oil, sugar, valeric acid, angelic acid, and a resin known as angelicin. Herbalists use it to aid in the elimination of toxins, the recovery from rheumatism and colds, urinary complaints, and colic. Root Dosage : infuse 1 ounce dried chopped root in 1 pint boiling water for 1/2 hour in a covered container. Drink 2 tablespoons of the liquid, flavoured with honey if you wish, 3 or 4 times daily. Seed Dosage : Infuse 1 teaspoon seed in 1 cup boiling water; cover. Allow to stand until cool; strain and drink 1 to 2 cups cold a day, again flavoured with honey if desired.