Angelica

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Angelica / Angelica /, also known as medicinal shrub, is a biennial herbaceous plant that has an upright stem, reaching a height of 100-150 cm. In its upper part the stem is branched.

The leaves are consistent and the flowers are small, elastic with a greenish-white or greenish-yellow color. The fruit is ovoid and laterally flattened. Angelica blooms in June-August. The herb grows in shady and humid places, near rivers and streams.

History of an angel

Angelica is an herb that has been used since time immemorial, as evidenced by ancient chronicles. Approximately 20 different tribes have used angelica for healing. In America, the whole plant has been used to treat viral and bacterial infections.

The locals have used it as a tonic against various chronic diseases. According to European folklore, the name of the herb comes from the fact that it usually blooms around the feast of Archangel Michael.

Composition of angelica

The root and rhizome contain essential oil and terpenes, angelicin, valeric acid, lactone, ostenol, ostol, angelic acid, archicin, bergapten, emperor and others.

The root is an excellent source of vitamin B12, niacin and folic acid. In the fruits of angelica contains 17% fatty oil, up to 1% essential oil with feladren, felopterin, bergapten and others.

Collection and storage of angelica

The medicinal parts of the plant are collected - roots, seeds and leaves. Angelica roots are collected in March, April, September and October, and leaves and seeds - only in September and October.

Benefits of angelica

Although it is believed that all parts of the plant are used to treat various diseases, the main healing part is the root. The leaves and stems have a weaker healing effect. The root, leaves and stems can be used as a complete tonic, and the seeds have a good effect on nausea.

The root can be consumed raw, and its range of benefits is very wide. Used in various digestive disorders, colic, gas.

Angelica It is used as a reproductive regulator, to induce delayed menstruation, in intestinal cramps, as an expectorant and to induce sweating, as a good diuretic and antiseptic, to treat urinary tract infections.

Angelica stimulates the kidneys, helps with general fatigue and periodic fever, rheumatism. Some people use the herb to soothe joint inflammation.

Angelica improves blood flow to the peripheral parts of the body, which in turn leads to improved blood circulation. It is especially used in Burger's disease / diseases in which the arteries of the legs and arms narrow /.

Externally, angelica is used for rinsing the eyes and as compresses for scabies, rashes, lung diseases, gout, to relieve rheumatic pain.

Angelica is used in various medicinal forms. Infusions of its leaves are used in indigestion. Decoctions of dried roots are used to stimulate the liver, menstrual problems, relieve constipation.

Creams made from the leaves are applied to skin irritations. Young and green leaves, the thickness of a pencil, are candied and used as an excellent tonic against infections and to improve energy levels.

In general angelica has antispasmodic, gas-expectorant, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antibacterial action. It is a uterine stimulant.

Harm from the angelica

The root contains specific chemicals that can cause severe photosensitivity. In large quantities, angelica is poisonous and can adversely affect respiration, blood and heart rate.

It should not be used by pregnant women because it is a uterine stimulant. Diabetics should also not consume angelicabecause it can cause an increase in blood sugar levels in the urine. Excessive use of angelica can cause diarrhea in other people.