Garden angelica |
The broad leaf sheaths surrounding the double umbel before flowering
The raylet leaves are long and pointed
However, the name Angelica is much older and already appears in herbal books from the 16th century as the most important medicinal plant. In addition to its presumed effects against the plague, it was hailed quasi as a panacea, just like a plant that has been sent by the angels.
Historical publications
Leonhart Fuchs (1501–1566) knew the Angelica under the names "Angelick" or "Holy Ghost root". He compared the leaves with the hogweed and described the leaf sheaths as thin, sac-like blidders, from which would grow flowers similar to those of fennel.
The root was black on the outside and white inside. The latter was good against poisoning of all kinds, as well as against "pestilential air". The root, eaten in the morning, should protect all day against the plague. The herb mixed with common rue and honey, should be used against snake and dog bites. The plant, kept in the mouth, would help to overcome sexual desire.
Use as a medicinal plant
Also from today's perspective, the angelica, of which particular the subspecies Angelica archangelica ssp. archangelica is cultivated, is a versatile medicinal plant. Alcoholic extracts of dried roots, harvested before flowering, for example, are an ingredient of "Kloster Melissengeist" and of bitters. The digestive effect is caused by the bitter substances that stimulate the production of stomach acid. Also on the gallbladder and the pancreas, they have a stimulating effect.
The root is the part of the plant that is most commonly used, but also the seeds have a curative effect. For a cup of tea one needs half a teaspoon of angelica root, which is poured with 150 ml of hot water. Let the tea brew for 10 minutes. It stimulates the appetite, aids digestion and helps against bloating. In addition, it acts expectorant and antispasmodic and strengthens the nerves. A bath with angelica root helps against gout and rheumatism.
Possibility of confusion with other species
Those who collect the plants to medicinal purposes or to consumption, must beware before highly toxic similar species. The cowbane settled in similar habitats, also the base of the leaf, like at the Angelica, is sheathing the stem, but it is not inflated. The cowbane has narrow and lanceolate leaflets and white flowers.The rootstock is, as opposed to Angelica, chambered.
The hemlock also has a sheathing leaf base, but it is not inflated at base and it also has white flowers. Its leaves are pinnate, however, much finer than that of the Angelica. Inflated leaf bases also occur in hogweed species, but which are recognizable by their broad leaf sections. Hogweed can cause contact dermatitis.
Interesting notes
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In their original homeland, the Nordic countries, the stalks are peeled and eaten raw.
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In some countries such as Austria or Switzerland candied stem segments are offered as delicacies or as a topping for cakes.
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Absinthe, vermouth and gin contain extracts of angelica root.