Angelica – plant of the Archangels
Real Angelica is an ancient medicinal plant which probably originates from Iceland. An Archangel is said to have brought it to earth to free people from all sorts of ailments. That is why it is also called Angelica and in Latin Angelica, Archangelica.
And it can really do a lot. Like many other umbelliferous plants, (parsley family) it shows a great effect on the abdomen. Even the caraway, fennel, aniseed and lovage belong to the same family as the Angelica. With her brother cumin, she also appears in the well known Iberogast®Tropfen. Angelica has an impressive size, up to 2.5 metres high. It likes its feet wet, so prefers to grow on watersides. Its stalk is typical of the umbelliferous plant, grooved and hollow. It is 2-4 years old. In spring and late autumn the rhizome is harvested and processed as a tea, extract or tincture.
Due to its aromatic-bitter taste, Angelica is one of the amara aromatica. These drugs ( parts of medicinal plants) have particularly invigorating effects, since the bitter substances stimulate the digestive juices of the stomach, the gallbladder and the pancreas and provide improved digestion. The food can then be utilized optimally, so that gas, bloating and heartburn have a hard time. Other ingredients are contained in the medicinal plant. There are, for example, essential oils, angelic and valerian acid, minerals like calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, and silica. Even so-called coumarins have been found to promote venous circulation.
Angelica is a real tonic, especially after a long illness and provides for a healthy appetite. It takes tension and spasms in the abdominal cavity and the heart. It gives voltage when it is running low, for example, to the digestive organs. Stomach problems that are caused by stress can be cured with Angelica root. You can try Angelica even with insomnia and palpitations, which is usually due to an over consumption of coffee. Likewise, rheumatism and back problems. But above all, people should take advantage of this plant, which it is said, when an “Angel” is needed.
Apart from Angelica, the following medicinal plants are included in Iberogast®Tropfen: caraway, chamomile, milk thistle, lemon balm, peppermint, celandine and licorice root. When mixed, the drops can be used in case of complaints such as nausea, stomach pain, bloating, flatulence, heartburn, dyspepsia and stomach cramps.
Wishing you all the best of health!
Registered German Naturopath
