Contents
This plant has various names. Usually it is called angelica or angelica, popularly – wild parsnip or wild celery. And this herb also got an incredibly beautiful Latin name – Angelica archangelica, which is why in some countries angelica is called nothing more than “holy spirit”. The myth explains that the plant received such an unusual name in honor of the Archangel Gabriel, who, according to legend, told mankind about the beneficial properties of this plant. Today, many have forgotten that angelica can be useful, and perceive it solely as a weed.
Botanical description
This biennial plant from the Umbelliferae family can grow up to 2 meters in height. Its thick, fleshy and highly branched stem is difficult to confuse with other plants. The leaves of the angelica are large, dissected into several segments. Throughout the summer, the grass “beautifies” with huge white-green inflorescences-umbrellas, which are very reminiscent of flowering carrots or dill.
Scandinavia is considered the birthplace of angelica. For many centuries, this herb served as a source of food and medicine for the inhabitants of northern Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Inuit who inhabited Greenland. Angelica was very popular among the Vikings. From the texts of the Icelandic sagas, it was possible to learn that until the early 1000s, this plant was protected by a law that prohibited the total collection of angelica. At one time in Norway, this herb was specially grown in gardens.
What is useful in angelica
Laboratory studies have shown that the plant contains B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. All parts of the plant contain healing essential oil. Researchers have isolated more than 20 beneficial components from the root of this herb. There are among them terpenes, coumarin, glucose, organic acids (aconitic, fumaric, oxalic, valeric). Angelica seeds are incredibly rich in essential oils, and the leaves are rich in tannins.
Use in folk and traditional medicine
It is believed that angelica was the first medicinal plant that was exported from the Nordic countries to other parts of Europe. By the XNUMXth century, angelica had become known not only to the Scandinavians. He entered the list of the most respected medicinal plants among herbalists. In the Middle Ages, angelica saved mankind from the plague, and in the XVII-XVIII centuries – from dysentery, cholera and other intestinal infections. Modern herbalists call angelica a medicinal plant with a wide spectrum of action. Here are some of the benefits of angelica.
Digestive tract
It is used to eliminate diseases of the digestive system. It is known that this herb stimulates appetite, reduces gas production, relieves intestinal colic, improves digestion. Angelica has a bactericidal effect on the gastrointestinal tract, increases the production of gastric acid.
Circulation
This herb is very beneficial for people with circulatory disorders. In particular, angelica extract is used to treat Buerger’s disease, a pathology accompanied by narrowing of the arteries in the arms and legs.
Respiratory system
Wild celery is an effective expectorant that is used to treat bronchitis, asthma and other respiratory diseases. As a rule, angelica roots are used for this purpose, but, I must say, the stems and seeds are also useful for the respiratory system.
Anti-cancer and antioxidant properties
Scientific research has discovered another amazing ability of angelica. It turned out that it has anti-cancer properties. The juice of the plant has antimutagenic abilities, that is, it prevents the degeneration of cells into malignant tumors. In addition, the plant has powerful antioxidant properties that make angelica useful in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.
Antibacterial effect
The plant has antifungal and antibacterial activity. Dried root powder is used to treat athlete’s foot and as a pesticide and insect repellent.
Bone tissue and muscles
Compresses from crushed leaves of angelica are known in folk medicine as a cure for rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and edema. In addition, angelica is used to accelerate the healing of bones after fractures.
Other properties
German researchers have made their contribution to the study of the abilities of angelica. They have proven the effectiveness of the plant in reducing body temperature in fevers, as a prophylactic and remedy for colds, urinary tract infections. In addition, angelica may be useful in “pacifying” overactive bladder, which is often seen in older people. Special phytonutrients in the herb soothe the bladder from very frequent contractions and prevent frequent urination.
Infusion of angelica is useful to gargle with sore throat. It is also good to use this medicine inside, in particular for the treatment of colds, coughs, pleurisy, to strengthen the heart and lower cholesterol.
Angelica tea is useful as a tonic. Such a drink gives strength and vigor, promotes rapid recovery after serious illnesses. Herbal tea is good to drink in the absence of appetite and reduced secretion of the stomach. For women, it is useful for regulating the menstrual cycle, getting rid of the symptoms of PMS, restoring the balance of hormones. In addition, a drink made from green leaves should be consumed by people with hypertension, and tea made from angelica roots is a folk remedy for the treatment of alcoholism.
Use in cosmetology
Angelica extract has antibacterial properties, which means that the plant is beneficial for acne treatment. In addition, crushed herb compresses relieve pain in areas of skin inflammation, reduce redness. A decoction of the root is useful for washing the skin of the face. Such procedures are effective for getting rid of pimples and acne.
Angelica root, as already mentioned, is useful for the treatment of fungal diseases, including skin diseases. To do this, it is useful to sprinkle the affected areas with dried angelica root powder. Will not hurt angelica and healthy skin. Washing with infusions or decoctions of this herb improves the complexion of the skin, makes it soft and velvety. To improve the effect, you can mix angelica extract with aloe juice.
A decoction of the root is also useful for hair. Regular rinsing of curls with this herbal remedy will make them more “alive”, and also improve blood circulation in the scalp, and this is an important point for activating the growth of new hair.
Baths with essential oil of angelica are useful for swelling of the legs and pain in the muscles. They also have a sedative effect, which is why they are useful before bedtime.
Interesting scientific data
As a result of studies conducted on rats, scientists were able to find out that angelica has sedative properties. Scientists say that this effect is achieved due to the presence of coumarins in the herb. Although it must be said, this property of angelica has been known to Indian healers for more than one century.
As for the anti-cancer properties of angelica, researchers believe that the leaves of the plant are the most useful for treating cancer. In particular, the ability of angelica extract to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells has been proven in laboratory conditions.
Another experiment of the researchers showed that the alcohol tincture of angelica has a hepatoprotective effect. The tincture cleanses the liver of toxins, protects against oxidative stress and fatty degeneration of cells.
But the essential oil, taken from the roots of the herb, has anticonvulsant properties. Researchers attribute this effect to the presence of a large amount of terpenes in the oil.
How to use angelica: daily dosage
For the treatment and prevention of angelica can be used in different forms. Tea, decoctions, infusions and tinctures from angelica are beneficial for the body. But here the main thing is to observe adequate doses. Excessive passion for any medicinal herb, even with such an angelic name, can be harmful.
So, if angelica appeared in your diet in the form of an alcohol tincture, then herbalists do not advise using it more than three times a day, and a single dosage should not exceed 20-40 drops.
It is safer to drink angelica tea. You can prepare a drink from a teaspoon of dried and crushed grass root, which should be poured with a glass of boiling water and infused for several minutes. Instead of the root, you can take dried herbs.
Side effects
Even Angelica archangelica has dangerous properties, but only if you do not follow the rules for using the herb. As already mentioned, all parts of this plant contain a huge amount of essential oils. In an adequate dosage, they are, of course, beneficial to humans. But it is enough to cross the line of the maximum allowable dose and angelica oils turn into toxic substances. Definitely dangerous for humans is fresh angelica root. To get rid of the poisonous substances contained in this part of the plant, the root of Angelica archangelica should be dried very carefully before use.
Do not use angelica for pregnant women (it has abortive properties) and nursing mothers. It is also forbidden to give any part of the herb to children under 2 years of age. Angelica extract should not be used for ulcers of the stomach or intestines, as well as for diabetes. Grass sap in contact with the skin in some people causes allergies and increases sensitivity to UV rays.
And most importantly, a word of caution. When harvesting angelica, it is important to be sure that you are collecting exactly medicinal angelica, and not poisonous herbs from the Umbelliferae family, which may look like Angelica archangelica. It is also necessary to distinguish between medicinal angelica and forest. The second is also not very suitable as a medicine. The main difference between these varieties is the shape of the inflorescence. If the medicinal small flowers form a spherical shape, then the inflorescence-umbrella of forest angelica is flat. The medicinal variety of angelica is usually found on the banks of water bodies.
How to prepare
It is advisable to collect a two-year-old medicinal herb, it contains the most useful substances. Angelica roots are harvested at the beginning of spring, while healing components are preserved in them in maximum concentration. It is important to take only intact roots. After thorough cleaning, they are cut and dried in a dry, warm room, sheltered from direct sunlight.
Petioles for salads and other dishes are harvested in April-June, when they are the most juicy, and seeds – in September.
Use in cooking
Angelica stalks are not only edible, but also very rich in nutrients. In cooking, angelica can be used in the same way as celery. But before eating, the fleshy stems should be cleaned of the outer film, and only the inner pulp should be eaten. When raw, angelica stalks have a rather pungent taste, but become more tender when cooked.
Dried angelica roots and seeds as a spice go well with meat, vegetable dishes and all kinds of sauces.
For centuries, the French have used this plant in the preparation of liqueurs. They added greens to the drink as an aromatic component.
In culinary business, angelica honey is known. It differs from other species in its unusual color (it is a green substance) and the ability not to crystallize until spring. This product is known for its rich chemical composition and healing properties. In particular, it is useful for insomnia, nervous disorders, rheumatism and even epilepsy.
If the crushed angelica roots are boiled in sugar syrup, and then apples are added to the brew and boiled a little more, you get the original jam. And in the hands of skilled confectioners, angelica roots turn into candied fruits, marshmallows, jams, and pie fillings.
As you can see, an extremely interesting and useful plant is hiding behind the very ordinary appearance of angelica. So the next time you’re fighting weeds in your garden, take a closer look to see if angelica is among those herbs. After all, now you know exactly how to use it properly.