For millennia, medicinal plants have thrived in various natural areas. Nevertheless, people do not know all the secrets that nature provides. It is not enough to know the plant and its general characteristics, but we also need to know when is the right time to harvest the plants. Today we look at the "Garden Angelica" (Latin name: Angelica archangelica), which belongs to the family Apiaceae.
Angelica is a large 2-4 year old herb. In the first year it forms a strong leaf wreath, and in the third or fourth year it blooms. After that the plant dies off. The rhizome of the plant is only a few inches long, round in shape, brownish-gray color. The milk juice hides inside of it. The stem of the plant can grow up to 2 meters in height, with the trunk round in a hollow grooved shape, flowing from the bottom upwards from reddish to purple green. At the top, the plant branches into roughly serrated green leaves. The petioles branch at the top into yellow round inflated shapes. At the top of the plant is a canopy of the evergreen-colored hat with small scented flowers.
The recommended time for picking the plant is June through July in the garden or in nature. The plant can also be seen in the wild, along the banks of streams in rivers, on moist wooded soils in grasslands, and among shrubs in meadows. It is mainly found in the northern hemisphere on moist soil in a shady place.
The plant is well resistant to harmful diseases and insects. The leaves and stems with flowers can be dug up from the soil. After harvesting the plant parts need to be left for drying process before we can use them for medicinal purposes.
Archangelica contains essential oil, bitterness, coumarin compounds and chives. The plant healing effects are the following: it stimulates the flow, accelerates the secretion of gastric juices, relieves gastric pain in agitated bowels, drains urine easily out of the body. Ointments are prepared from the plant in the form to help with rheumatic pain and other skin inflammation.
A beverage from Angelica can be made from half a teaspoon of the root in a glass of water, which is consumed 3-5 times a day. In Chinese medicine, dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is prepared due to its health effects for relieving menopause and menstrual problems. In the Scandinavian region, people cook steamed stew with Angelica plant. The bittersweet taste of the leaves of the plant can be perfectly complemented by seafood or added as a side dish.
An interesting story about the Angelica Angel:
The plant Archangelica is derived from the Greek word arkhangelos, given the belief that it was introduced for medicinal purposes by the archangel Michael himself. Another story says it was named after the archangel Rafael, who said the plant could cure the plague. However, the stories of an angel-related plant can be perceived.
OF COURSE, WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU DISCUSS WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST ALL INFORMATION REGARDING HERBS.
You could say that Angelica is a plant that helps with many health problems and is therefore important for deeper observation.
A disclaimer: IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT YOU DISCUSS ALL INFORMATION REGARDING WITH HERBS WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST BEFORE ANY USAGE!
All SOURCES: https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Illustrated-Book-Herbs/dp/1606522612 & https://www.amazon.com/Mosbys-Handbook-Herbs-Natural-Supplements/dp/0323057411