Angelica root (Angelica archangelica), also called angelica, is used as a medicinal plant mainly for flatulence, bloating and detoxification. It originates from the north of Europe and came to our regions only with the Vikings. After being forgotten for a long time, today it is again appreciated in naturopathy.
Occurrence and cultivation of angelica
In the past, angelica was a very popular plant in folk medicine, which was found in almost every country garden. In the past, angelica was a very popular plant in folk medicine, which was found in almost every cottage garden. Today it is rarely planted consciously. In nature, it is found mainly in overgrown gardens, along railroad embankments, in wet meadows, along ditches or in open fields. It has ovate, pinnate leaves that are slightly pointed. The slightly bluish stems are hollow and round. Their surface is grooved. The small, greenish flowers grow in large, round umbels. The plant has very thick roots. Angelica is also called true angelica, ore angelica, angelica, saint’s root holy spirit root, tooth root or breast root. There is a risk of confusion with forest angelica and water hemlock. Confusion with water hemlock is dangerous because it is extremely poisonous. The leaves of the water hemlock are serrated at the edge and its roots are bulbously thickened and divided into chambers by transverse walls. In contrast, confusion with the forest angelica is harmless. This plant is smaller than the angelica, the root is thinner and the flowers are white to reddish.
Effect and application
Mainly the roots of at least 2-year-old plants are used. They contain bitter substances, essential oils and vitamin B12. The roots are dug up, washed well and split lengthwise. After drying in a warm room, the roots must be stored in well-sealed containers, as they are very popular with insects. Leaves, stems and seeds are also used. Angelica has antibacterial effects, against flatulence and bloating, it stimulates appetite and gastric juice and building salivary gland secretion. Alcoholic extracts and teas are made from the roots. Also, the essential oils are extracted from the root and seeds. These are often added to liqueurs, which are then marketed as bitters. However, larger quantities of these essential oils can lead to symptoms of poisoning. Angelica, for its part, is also said to help against poisoning. It has been used as a plague medicine. The root is also used powdered. Likewise, teas are made from the leaves and stems of the plant. In more recent times angelica is also included in creams. One can also take baths with angelica supplements. In addition, crushed leaves and stems of angelica are used as a spice. The leaves can also be prepared as a vegetable. However, care should be taken when doing so. In case of overdose or direct skin contact with the juice of the plant, increased photosensitivity of the skin and skin irritation may occur. Not everyone can tolerate angelica. Anyone with heart disease or at increased risk for it should not consume angelica or products made from this plant. Angelica increases blood clotting. This reduces blood flow and this can lead to a heart attack. Since angelica stimulates the uterus in larger amounts, it should not be used during pregnancy.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
To use angelica for the treatment of existing health problems or for prevention, it is either planted in your own garden or you can resort to appropriate offers in pharmacies or mail order. Angelica must be sown in the fall, as it is a cold germinator. As a spice, crushed stems and leaves of the plant can be used in sauces, soups and salads. The leaves can be prepared as a vegetable, the root like parsnips. Stems of angelica can be eaten raw. It tastes aromatic, the stems fruity. In sour compotes, such as rhubarb or gooseberry, it reduces the acidity. As an addition to jams, it enhances the flavor. Liqueurs containing angelica are used against digestive problems. Even 2,000 years ago, the potion theriac was used as a remedy for all kinds of poisoning. Angelica root is said to have been a main ingredient of this potion.Kneipp also recommended a tea made from the leaves, roots and seeds of angelica as a remedy for poisoning. By brewing over a teaspoon of crushed angelica root with 150 ml of hot water, a tea can be easily prepared. It must steep for 10 minutes and then it is strained. One cup of this tea, drunk daily lukewarm, half an hour before meals is said to help against intestinal cramps. It is also recommended in the absence of menstruation and to expel the afterbirth. Finally, it is also said to help with lack of urination, as well as strengthen the liver and spleen. It is also said that lice can be killed with an external application of this tea. A tea made from leaves and stems can be used to gargle for tonsillitis. Baths with angelica added are said to help with rheumatism and gout. Cough syrups with angelica are offered, and an ointment containing components of the plant is said to help against radiation damage in cancer therapy. Chewing the root is said to be able to dispel an alcohol hangover. The powdered root has an antibacterial effect and is said to help against athlete’s foot or insect bites, for example. In the past, the powder was also used externally for gout and sciatica, as well as for ulcers or bites. Even in smoking cessation angelica is said to help.
