Nature is rich in herbs that have a beneficial effect on the human body. Some of them are well-known to everyone, and few have heard of others. The article will focus on a plant whose beneficial properties were known even to our distant ancestors. They believed that this herb was sent to earth by the gods to save people from the plague. This plant is angelica officinalis, and how it is useful in our time and how to use it, you will learn by reading the article.
Description of the plant
Angelica has been known for its medicinal properties for thousands of years and during this time it has acquired different names: angelica, angelica, sweet trunk, bordanka, wolf's pipe, angelica. And the herb's botanical name is Angelica archangelica.
Angelica is a biennial or perennial plant growing up to 2 meters. Belongs to the Umbrella family. The stem is hollow inside, rounded, has a sticky coating. Covered with brown or red grooves. The root is powerful and thick, weighing about 300 g. The rhizome contains white or yellowish milky juice.
Angelica leaves pinnate, divided into 2-3 segments,up to 80 cm long. The flowers are located on top, the inflorescence reaches 20 cm in diameter. Flowering lasts all summer. At the end of August, flat fruits containing seeds appear in angelica flowers.
How to distinguish from hogweed?
Inexperienced herbalists may confuse angelica officinalis with hogweed. To prevent this from happening, pay attention to the differences:
- Angelica has a smooth stem, while hogweed has hairy stems.
- If you rub the angelica leaf, you will feel a pleasant aroma, while the cow parsnip has a sharp unpleasant smell.
- Inflorescences of cow parsnip are covered with hairs.
In order not to make a mistake when collecting grass yourself, take a good look at the photo of angelica officinalis below.
Ingredients of angelica
To understand what explains the beneficial properties of angelica officinalis, let's get acquainted with the chemical composition:
- The root is rich in acids, and also contains essential oils, carotene, wax, phytoncides, coumarins, starch and tannins.
- The trunk and seeds contain essential and fatty oils, phytoncides.
- The flowers and leaves of angelica contain phytoncides, quartzetin, vitamin C.
How to harvest angelica?
For treatment, the root of angelica officinalis is used, less often - the aerial part (grass, leaves, seeds). Angelica is dug up in autumn (for first-year plants) or in spring (for second-year plants). It is important to consider that repeat rhizomes are richer than annual nutrients. From dug up rootsclean the ground and wash. If the root is large, then cut into pieces of 8-10 cm. Then dry either in the open air, or use an electric dryer, which is set at 35 ° C.
For consumption, angelica leaves are harvested in the spring, before the plant blooms, for medicinal purposes, they wait for the end of flowering. Leaves and seeds are dried before storage. Seeds are harvested after full maturity in mid-autumn.
Useful properties
Due to its unique composition, the herb has found application in traditional medicine recipes, as well as in the modern pharmaceutical industry. The medicinal properties of angelica officinalis are extensive:
- The plant is used as a diuretic and antispasmodic.
- The tannins in angelica have anti-inflammatory and bactericidal effects.
- Has a tonic effect.
- Excellent choleretic agent, stimulates appetite, helps relieve stomach cramps.
- Helps with colds as a diaphoretic.
- It has expectorant properties, so it is used for bronchitis.
- It has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart and blood vessels.
- The wax and resins in the herb help to heal wounds quickly.
- The coumarins in angelica have an astringent effect and dilate blood vessels.
Diseases in which the use of angelica officinalis is indicated:
- disruption of the gallbladder and bile ducts;
- cardio-vascular disease;
- bronchitis, pneumonia;
- kidney disease;
- colds and flu;
- skin diseases;
- women's diseases (PMS, mastopathy, infertility).
Benefits of angelica for women
Let's take a closer look at the medicinal properties for the female body. The benefits of angelica officinalis for women are based on the action that strengthens the body. If a woman cannot become pregnant due to anemia or circulatory disorders, then the use of angelica will help in solving this problem. For women who have already given birth, angelica will be useful in restoring menstruation and gaining strength. In addition, the plant has a beneficial effect on the skin, which acquires a he althy appearance, dryness disappears.
Recipes of traditional medicine
In alternative medicine, including homeopathy, angelica is used to make anti-inflammatory, diuretic, expectorant drugs. Tinctures from different parts of the plant are used for radiculitis, gout, joint problems. Let us consider in more detail the recipes for the preparation of folk remedies from angelica officinalis.
Root infusion
It is used to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in inflammatory processes in gynecology. To prepare the infusion, 20 g of dry crushed angelica root is poured into 1 liter of boiling water. Let it brew for 8 hours. Then filter and apply 0.5 cups 3-4 times a day.
Medicinal herb infusion
This infusion is indicated for problems with the intestines(spasms, fermentation, gases), colds, pancreatitis, cholecystitis. For cooking, take one tablespoon of the root, leaves and seeds. All components are crushed. Boil 3 cups of water and pour in all the dry ingredients. Let it brew for 6 hours. Filter and apply 0.5 cups 3 times a day. With the same infusion, baths are taken for arthritis, radiculitis, gout.
Vodka tincture
The medicine will be useful for the digestive system if there are colitis and high acidity in gastritis. And also for the treatment of diseases of the heart and respiratory tract. To prepare the tincture, take 200 g of dry crushed angelica root and half a liter of good quality vodka. Vodka is poured into a jar of raw materials and insisted for 2 weeks in the sun. Then filter and take orally 20 drops 3 times a day. Tincture is used to rub diseased joints.
Decoction of angelica roots
Decoction of rhizomes is used to treat the liver and gallbladder. It is used for colds and bronchitis. It has strong analgesic properties. To prepare a decoction, take 3 tablespoons of chopped dry root and pour 200 ml of boiling water. Heated in a water bath for 30 min. Allow to cool slightly and strain. The resulting volume is adjusted to 250 ml with boiled water. Take a hot decoction of 130 ml 2 times a day after meals.
Angelica juice
The fresh root is used to make juice. It is rubbed on a grater and squeezed through cheesecloth. For ear paininstill 2-3 drops in each ear 2 times a day. Inside take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day. The course is 3 weeks. Helps with pancreatitis and jaundice.
Useful properties of honey
Angelica is also an excellent honey plant. The product has a greenish color, a special aroma, does not crystallize for a long time. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, is indicated for cardiovascular diseases. Honey lowers blood pressure, cleanses the blood, gives strength and strengthens the immune system.
How to use angelica oil?
Roots and seeds are used to make oil. In cosmetology, only angelica seed oil is used. It treats acne, inflammation, rejuvenates the skin. Just add a few drops of oil to a cream or lotion for daily use.
For a runny nose and sore throat, inhalation is done by adding 2-3 drops of oil to hot water. To treat a cough or mucus stasis, mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil with a few drops of angelica oil. Rub the mixture on the chest.
You should not abuse the essential oil of angelica, because it has a stimulating effect. In addition, the product is a strong allergen.
Contraindications
The plant, which has a huge number of useful properties, has contraindications. Angelica officinalis, first of all, should not be taken by people who are allergic to any component of the plant. For pregnant women, grass can bring significant harm. And before pregnancy and to restore strength after childbirth, there are no restrictions on taking angelica. In the presence of certain diseases, preparations with angelicait is not recommended to take. This is:
- diabetes;
- tachycardia;
- gastric ulcer;
- bleeding.
The plant can be harmful if you exceed the dosage in the recipe. In this case, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, and in some cases fainting and paralysis are observed.
Angel in cooking
If we recall the well-known saying that food should be medicine, not medicine food, the use of angelica in cooking becomes clear. A plant with many useful substances will enrich any dish with useful substances, trace elements and vitamins. It is only necessary to take into account the specific taste and aroma of the herb. The rhizome is used for food, adding to salads and hot dishes. The fresh root has a bitter taste. Dried root is used to prepare meat dishes, sauces, side dishes.
Cooked with angelica and sweets. To make jam, the roots are crushed and sprinkled with sugar. When the plant gives juice, put on fire, bring to a boil and cook for 30 minutes. To dilute the specific taste, apples are added to such a jam. In addition, angelica is used to make candied fruits and marshmallows. From the stems of the plant, crushed and oversleeped with sugar, they make a filling for pies. It turns out both tasty and he althy delicacy.
Reviews on the use of angelica
On the Internet you can find a large number of positive reviews about angelica officinalis. Women praise preparations based on this herb for eliminating the symptoms of menopause, facilitating the flowPMS, cycle normalization. Drugs help someone already in the second week of taking, and someone advises drinking for a long time to feel the effect, because the remedy does not work quickly.
Modern life has alienated man from nature and its gifts. Now few people have the opportunity to independently engage in the collection and preparation of medicinal herbs. Owners of dachas and gardens can grow some medicinal plants on the site, while the rest will come to the aid of pharmaceutical preparations of plant origin. Looking for a remedy to treat a disease or strengthen the body, pay attention to the modest herb angelica officinalis, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which were discussed in the article.
