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Medicinal properties of angelica (Angelica archangelica)
- Carminative, aperitif and digestive. Wild angelica has the ability to stimulate gastric juices, giving it appetizing and digestive properties.
This plant is suitable for dyspepsia or slow digestion or slow, mild gastrointestinal spasms, bloating and some intestinal disorders.
It is also carminative, that is, helps evacuate the digestive tract. Indicated to treat aerophagia and flatulence.
Effective for these uses is as a tea, taken after meals.
- Anorectic. The use of wild angelica root is used to treat heavy digestions and loss of appetite. Wild angelica is a plant suitable for treating disorders of anorexia or lack of appetite (Decoction during 10 minutes of two spoonfuls of dry roots in a liter of water. Let it rest during 30 minutes and take one glass before each meal)
- Bad blood circulation. This plant stimulates the blood flow in the peripheral parts of the body and, therefore having a valuable use in the treatment of poor circulation and leg pain.
It is considered a specific treatment for Buerger’s disease, a disease that narrows the arteries of the hands and feet, and may be indicated in varicose veins.
- Emmenagogue. Wild angelica is emmenagogue, that’s to say, it has the ability to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area. Wild angelica is said to increase fertility.
Indicated in urinary tract infections, cystitis, etc..
- Rheumatic diseases. Described the use of angelica essential oil extracted from its seeds and used topically to relieve rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Psoriasis. Wild angelica essential oil is indicated for matte skins, skin diseases, such as psoriasis. In this case, it must be used used topically.
- Febrifuge. Wild angelica is an antipyretic plant, so, it helps reduce fever. Along with its stimulant properties for the respiratory system, it is considered a very interesting plant for flu and cold processes.
- Nerve disorders. For its sedative properties, Angelica is popularly used to treat anxiety, combat stress, insomnia, nervousness and migraines, and it is considered a natural antidepressant.
Ayurvedic medicine uses the roots of wild angelica for nervous system disorders, especially in the treatment of epilepsy. Conventional medicine has confirmed its antiepileptic properties.
- Diseases of the respiratory tract. Wild angelica is a respiratory stimulant and has antiasthmatic action. It has been used for asthma, coughs, colds and it helps to heal bronchial diseases. It is a common ingredient in the British Pharmacopoeia to combat bronchitis.
Other uses of wild angelica
The essential oil of wild angelica root, extracted from its seeds, is used in perfumery, medicine and as food flavoring.
Oil seeds has a musk-like aroma and are used in the production of alcoholic beverages like gin, liqueurs and other preparations as the “water of Carmen.” Commonly used in herbal liqueurs, such as Benedictine and Chartreuse liqueur. Also in ratafia de Roques.
Its flowers attract bees, so it serves for the production of honey.
Formerly children were protected from witchcraft and spells by placing a leaf of wild angelica in their neck.
The frosted stems are used as a delicacy in Spain and France.
Angelica archangelica dosage
- Infusion as a tonic or digestive remedy. We can use use its leaves or its umbels. (85g of these plant parts boiled in 1 liter of water)
If prepared with its fruits, you only need 30g per liter of water.
If prepared with the dried root, we have to boil 40g in a liter of water and let it stand for 30 minutes.
Take a cup of any of the previous preparations after meals.
- Powder. Chop or grind the dried root until it is reduced to fine powder. Take 2 to 3 teaspoons daily, diluted in a cup of water, or mixed with honey or jam.
- Wild angelica liquor. Marinate 50g of fresh stem and root (to a lesser extent) with 1 liter of spirits for five days. Add 4 cups water (800ml) and 1kg of sugar and macerate it for a week. Strain, drain and filter.
Store in a bottle closed tight and leave it there for a month. Have a drink before meals as an aperitif or after meals as a digestive.
More information about wild angelica
