The healing power of Angelica.

Angelica was used as a medicine in the Middle Ages, circa 1450, to protect against the dreaded plague. At this time, the plant was only found in northern Europe; it was unknown to the Romans. The plant was said to have appeared in a vision, but no one was sure which angel and who’s vision. Whichever angel it was, he or she would have instructed the person to use the root of this plant to cure or prevent plague. Angelica is still used as a medicinal plant from Europe to the Far East. We often extract its oil -  angelica oil.

Archangel root

Other names used for this plant are Archangelica and Great Angelica. The plant grows to a height of two meters and produces large flowers. Angelica belongs to the carrot or parsley family and its leaves can be eaten as a vegetable. Leaves are often found candied in Germany. Cook the leaves in the same way as spinach; alternatively, mix angelica leaves in a spinach or endive (chicory) dish.

🌱The Sami people and the Angelica plant

Angelica grows wild all over Scandinavia. The Sami people live in the north of Finland, Sweden and Norway. This indigenous group uses the hollow stems of angelica plants to make flutes. They eat the leaves and the young sprouts and make medicine from the leaves. Because the leaves have a pleasant flavour, they also add these to reindeer milk to make it extra tasty.

🌱Dodoens and witchcraft

Rembert Dodoens, a herbalist from present-day Flanders, wrote that angelica could prevent the dark work of curses,  sorceries and evil spirits. The root had to be carried and so safeguarded from the work of evil sorcerers.In earlier times, disease was equated with demons. A demon could drop sickness through a portal onto any unsuspecting person. 

🌱Angelica oil as a medicine

Angelica has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Oil is extracted from the root; it takes 350 kilos of angelica root to produce one litre of oil. 

Angelica oil is used in the field of aromatherapy and is said to help fight against a broad range of illnesses. These include: 

•  Psoriasis   
• Fatigue   
• Joint problems such as arthritis, rheumatism and gout   
• Respiratory disorders including bronchitis, coughs and colds   
•  Anemia  
•  Digestive problems: stomach cramps, constipation, dyspepsia, indigestion and flatulence
•  Hemorrhoids  
•  Palpitations   
• Jaundice   
• Insomnia

🌱Detox with Angelica

The reason angelica prevents joint problems is that it acts as a mild diuretic; the body expels toxins via the urine and the substances that cause joint problems exit the body faster and more effectively.

🌱Science and the doctrine of signatures

Scientific research confirms several of the medicinal effects as based on the doctrine of signatures where herbs that resemble parts of the body are used to treat disorders of these parts.

🌱Research in China has shown that angelica is a good airway anti-inflammatory. 

It is also a proven treatment for liver cirrhosis; the ancient wisdom that recommended angelica for the treatment jaundice seems now to be proven in the modern age.

Scientific research in Germany has shown that angelica soothes the symptoms of indigestion and flatulence.

🌱Angelica in Chinese medicine

A particular variety of angelica has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries in China. It is used to restore hormonal balance. In both China and India, this plant is used to soothe menopausal complaints. Chinese doctors will prescribe it to combat menstrual cramps. This effect has not yet been confirmed by modern science. Because Chinese herbalists are convinced that angelica induces menstruation, it is generally not recommended to use it during pregnancy.

Source: Mens en gezondheidsinfo Netherlands

🌱Psychological effect

Angelica makes you more aware of your own thought process and capabilities.

Source:  Aromalifestyle Nederland