Angelica: Effects and Uses

Angelica is mainly used as a herbal remedy. We explain the effect of the plant, also known as the angelica root.

Effect and use: what is angelica?

The medicinal herb comes from the north and was brought to our latitudes by the Vikings. It was planted early in monastery gardens. Today, commercial cultivation mainly takes place in Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands.

• Angelica is a perennial that grows one to three meters tall. The stem is erect, and the leaves are large light green, and pinnate two to three times. The inflorescences have hemispherical umbels with 20 to 40 umbel rays.
• The plant has an aromatic odor that comes from the essential oils it contains.
• The substances from the root of the angelica herb are mainly used in medicine.
• If you want to collect angelica yourself, you should be careful. It can easily be confused with other umbellifers. The spotted hemlock, for example, looks similar to the plant but is very poisonous. It is therefore advisable to buy preparations with angelica in the pharmacy.

Uses of medicinal plants

Basically, angelica has a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, there are other possible uses.

• Products containing angelica root have a bitter taste. The bitter substances stimulate gastric juice production. Bile juice and enzymes from the pancreas are also increasingly released. This not only stimulates the appetite but also stimulates digestion. Angelica is therefore used for loss of appetite and a feeling of fullness.
• Angelica root also has an antispasmodic effect. This helps with intestinal problems such as flatulence or irritable bowel syndrome, but also with colds and coughs.
• The extracts of the plant can also be found in numerous herbal liqueurs, such as Boonekamp. Extracts are also contained in Klosterfrau Melissengeist.
• Angelica also has its place in homeopathy. In the form of globules, drops, or tablets, it is used not only for gastrointestinal complaints and chest pain with coughing but also for anxiety and exhaustion.
• You should not sunbathe while using preparations containing angelica. The substances it contains make the skin more sensitive to light and can trigger allergic reactions after prolonged exposure to the sun.
• In the next article, you will read everything you need to know about the effects and use of peppermint tea.