Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a tall, sweet-scented, biennial herb, the leaves and stems carrying the fragrance and flavour. It is an attractive plant with large , deeply indented leaves and tick heavy stems. The small creamy-white flowered are clustered together at the top of short stem making large round umbrellas.
In the kitchen, the young angelica steams, cleaned and chopped small, can be stewed with fruits such asrhubab and gooseberries to soften their tart flavours. It improves the flavour of stewed pears, and a fresh leaf placed on the bottom of the dish of a baked custard adds delicious flavour.
Angelica tea, made from the dried or fresh tea, is a good remedy for indigestion and flatulence. It is a tonic herb, stimulates the appetite and, when taken over a number of days has a beneficial effect. It also helps for feverish colds.
Angelica Tea from leaves:
Use a teaspoon of the fresh or dried leaves and pour over 1/2 cup of boiling water.
Leave to infuse for 5 minutes, strain and use
It can be sweetened with honey if desired.
A small glassful of angelica tea can be taken 3 times a day and is best made fresh each time.
Do not take the tea last thing at night , it might cause sleepiness.
Angelica Tea from seeds or root:
Crush 1 teaspoon of seeds and put them into an enamel pan.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water on top.
Bring to boil and simmer gently for 5 minutes
Strain once and serve hot.
The same method is used for the grated roots.
For coughs and sore throats, angelica syrup is both, soothing and effective, and this can be made from the dried roots.
Angelica Syrup:
Pour 2 cups of boiling water over 2 handfuls of dried grated angelica roots
Add 1/2 cup of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice
Allow to stand, covered, until cold.
Strain and bottle
Take 1-3 teaspoons for a sore throat or a for a cough.
Store the syrup in the refrigerator or cold place
Use within 3 days.
An infusion of angelica seeds , when used as a mouthwash, will sweeten the breath and freshen the mouth.
PLEASE NOTE: As always with herbs, Angelica is not to be taken by pregnant women or those breast feeding without a Doctors consent. Equally, it should not be taken by those with heart problems or diabetes. Angelica Root, when fresh is poisonous, but drying eliminates the poison and it is not recommended to be harvested from the wild. Studies have shown skin can become very sensitive to sunlight while taking angelica, please avoid exposion to sunlight or use sunscreen if possible.
