Angelica: angelica archangelica
"Angelica, that happy counterbane
Sent down from Heav'n by some celestial scout
As well the name and nature both avowt"
I always thought this a wondrous name for this green and leafy plant of shady places. Its heavenly connections have been linked to St Michael, who reputedly appeared to a a monk in a dream telling him that Angelica would cure the plague John Gerard had similar inspiration, writing in The Herball in 1579:
“The roote of garden Angelica is a singular remedie against poison, and against the plague, and all infections taken by evil and corrupt air.”
So holy this plant, it was said it could repel witchcraft and it witches would never use, though common folk and apothecaries used it as a remedy for many common ailments
The roots and leaves are used medicinally, most commonly in northern Europe where a variety can be found growing wild. It is reputed to help addictions to alcohol and tobacco and an infusion of the root a remedy for colds, coughs, colic and flatulence. It has anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti microbial properties
There are other ways to enjoy angelica. It is the only member of the umbellifereae family that has a perfume reminiscent of Lady’s Bedstraw. Its sweet fragrance is an ingredient in toilet water, used as a refreshing skin toner or to sprinkle over linen before ironing.
The seeds are used to flavour Chartreuse liqueur, beer and as a secret ingredient in some German wines. The ribs of the large leaves can be cooked and eaten like asparagus, although I haven’t tried this (yet!)
Angelica will grow in semi shade, is frost resistant and enjoys a fair amount of watering. It is often biennial, reaching to 180cm in perfect conditions. It seeds are slow and unreliable to germinate so there is little chance of it becoming a pest in the garden.
Caution: Angelica should not be used by diabetics as it increases sugar levels, nor by pregnant women.
“The roote of garden Angelica is a singular remedie against poison, and against the plague, and all infections taken by evil and corrupt air.”
So holy this plant, it was said it could repel witchcraft and it witches would never use, though common folk and apothecaries used it as a remedy for many common ailments
The roots and leaves are used medicinally, most commonly in northern Europe where a variety can be found growing wild. It is reputed to help addictions to alcohol and tobacco and an infusion of the root a remedy for colds, coughs, colic and flatulence. It has anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti microbial properties
There are other ways to enjoy angelica. It is the only member of the umbellifereae family that has a perfume reminiscent of Lady’s Bedstraw. Its sweet fragrance is an ingredient in toilet water, used as a refreshing skin toner or to sprinkle over linen before ironing.
The seeds are used to flavour Chartreuse liqueur, beer and as a secret ingredient in some German wines. The ribs of the large leaves can be cooked and eaten like asparagus, although I haven’t tried this (yet!)
Angelica will grow in semi shade, is frost resistant and enjoys a fair amount of watering. It is often biennial, reaching to 180cm in perfect conditions. It seeds are slow and unreliable to germinate so there is little chance of it becoming a pest in the garden.
Caution: Angelica should not be used by diabetics as it increases sugar levels, nor by pregnant women.
