Uriisaq
Angelica lucida L.
Plant
Angelica is a large, very leafy herb with a stout, fleshy stem and small, greenish-white flowers that form a large head. The aromatic plant grows in meadows, on beaches, and along streams throughout the Kodiak Archipelago.
CAUTION: Plants intermediate in appearance between angelica and the deadly poison water hemlock occur in some areas of Alaska. As such, angelica should never be eaten or applied to cuts or skin abrasions.
Gathering: Angelica is available during the growing season, but it is not preserved because it molds easily. People harvest the plant until its stems turn woody and it leaves yellow and begin to disintegrate.
Medicine: Angelica is highly valued as a steam bath switch and used to relieve aches, pains, and sore muscles. Switching a pregnant woman is said to remove gas from her body. The inner part of the stem and the leaves are rubbed on the skin to heal rashes, sores, pimples, cuts, dry skin, and other skin problems. People also rub angelica stems on swollen on injured areas and over broken bones. The plant is said to contain an oil that heals and revitalizes the skin. People clear their sinuses by splashing hot water on angelica leaves laid on hot steam bath rocks.
Lore: Rubbing the inner part of an angelica stem a girl’s body when she first menstruates will help her to have a good body.
