Angelica: Properties, Uses, and Contraindications

The Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) It is a herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to two meters tall. It has a large, triangular, jagged stem and leaves, and umbrella-shaped flowers ranging in color from white to greenish.

Index of topics

Where it is

Native to northern Asia and Europe, angelica grows in high mountainous areas and humid areas, especially near streams.

Collection and conservation

Angelica's roots, leaves, and seeds are used, and can be harvested after the plant has been around for two years. The roots are harvested in spring and autumn; the leaves and seeds from May to September. The leaves and roots are dried naturally in the sun and then stored in cloth bags.

Chemical components

Angelica is rich in coumarins and its roots contain:

flavonoids
tannins
resinous substances
caffeic acids
An essential oil rich in limonene and various terpenes. The concentration of essential oil in the roots depends on the type of plant.

Property

Angelica is an excellent natural remedy for:

Menstrual cramps
Headache
Increase appetite
Aid digestion
Flatulence and stomach bloating
Gastrointestinal cramps

uses

Angelica can be used in numerous ways, both in the kitchen to make desserts, infusions, and liqueurs, and as a mother tincture to promote intestinal health. Not to mention its essential oil, with its countless beneficial properties: in aromatherapy, it's used to reduce stress and combat nausea, it's used in relaxing massages, and even to scent rooms. Angelica extracts are also used to aid digestion. In short, a thousand and one uses for this wellness plant!

Angelica infusion

To prepare an angelica infusion, steep 5 grams of leaves in a liter of boiling water. Let steep for ten minutes, then drink two cups a day, for example, during the week before your period.

Controindicazioni

The first contraindication concerns the risk of confusing it with sagebrush or hemlock, both of which are umbelliferous plants, but are very dangerous. Furthermore, using this plant is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. And potential interactions should be considered if you are taking anticoagulants, antihypertensives, estrogens, and oral contraceptives.

Angelica: properties, uses and contraindications