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Angelica as an Herb
(Angelica archangelica)
Synonyms - Garden Angelica. Archangelica officinalis.
Angelica, an attractive plant with white buds, is unique for its pervading aromatic odor. One old writer compares it to Musk, others liken it to Juniper.
Parts Used: The roots and leaves for medicinal purposes, also the seeds.
Angelica is a good herbal tea to use for colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn. It is useful to add in remedies for afflictions of the respiratory system, including colds, as well as liver and digestive problems.
Angelica promotes circulation and energy in the body, including the stimulation of the circulation in the pelvic region and to suppress menstruation. Pregnant women or diabetics should not use Angelica.
- The stems and seeds are used in confectionery and flavoring in the preparation of liqueurs.
- The dried leaves, due to their aromatic qualities, are used in the preparation of hop bitters.
Angelica is largely used in the grocery trade, as well as for medicine. The appreciation of its unique flavor was established in ancient times when saccharin matter was extremely rare. The use of the sweetmeat may probably have originated from the belief that the plant possessed the power of averting or expelling pestilence.
Medicinal Action and Uses
- The root stalks, leaves and fruit possess carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, tonic and expectorant properties, which are strongest in the fruit.
- Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, rheumatism and diseases of the urinary organs, though it should not be given to patients who have a tendency towards diabetes, as it causes an increase of sugar in the urine.
- Angelica is generally used as a stimulating expectorant.
- Angelica is a useful agent for feverish conditions, acting as a diaphoretic.
Infusion
An infusion may be made by pouring a pint of boiling water on an ounce of the bruised root, with two tablespoonsful of the infusion given three or four times a day. The infusion will relieve flatulence, and is also of use as a stimulating bronchial tonic. It is used for indigestion, and chronic bronchitis. For external use, the fresh leaves of the plant are crushed and applied as poultices in lung and chest diseases.
Koflet is an all-natural formula that helps soothe bronchial mucous membranes and sore throats. It also supports the body's normal immune function against common allergens.
The following is extracted from an old book of herbal remedies:
'Boil down gently for three hours a handful of Angelica root in a quart of water; then strain it off and add liquid Narbonne honey or best virgin honey sufficient to make it into a balsam or syrup and take two tablespoonsful every night and morning, as well as several times in the day. If there be hoarseness or sore throat, add a few nitre drops.'
DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.