Angelica litwor(Angelica archangelica) is a highly fragrant plant with an ancient origin. Formerly widely celebrated as a panacea for all ailments.The healing properties of lithium angelicaand the essential oils contained in it madelithium angelica useprimarily in medicine, but also in cosmetics, cooking and as a plant ornamental. See whatlithium angelica cultivation looks likein the garden and what you should know to fully use its potential!
Angelica archangelica
Fig. pxhere.com
What does angelica look like?
Angelica angelica is a magnificent biennial plant that grows up to 2 m in height at the top of the stem. Small green-yellow flowers gathered in large umbels bloom from July to August at its top. The fruit of angelica is a yellow-brown ribbed split.
In Polandlithium angelica is a native species . It can be found in the Sudetes and the Carpathians, and the coastal subspecies - in the coastal strip and river valleys. This plant likes mountainous and humid areas.
Lithium angelica - healing properties
The medicinal raw materials of angelica are roots and rhizomesThey are characterized by a strong, aromatic smell and initially sweet, and then burning-bitter taste.They contain essential oil, coumarins, organic acids, flavonoids, simple sugars, as well as a specific compound that stimulates the production of interferon that fights infections, especially viral ones.
Medicines made from angelica rootimprove digestive processes and therefore are used to treat digestive disorders such as abdominal pain, flatulence, belching and anorexia. They are also administered in the case of painful stomach cramps and in the case of bile stagnation and its difficult inflow to the duodenum.
Lithium angelica has been used in medicine, cosmetics and cooking
Fig. depositphotos.com
The substances contained in the roots and rhizomes of angelicaalso have a calming effect in states of excessive nervous tension, with feelings of anxiety and difficulty falling asleep.Oil extracted from angelica seeds is used for rubbingin case of pain in inflammation and itching.Tea made of fresh or dried angelica leaveshelps with colds, reduces gas.
Good to knowCrushed lithium angelica leaves refresh the air in the car and prevent motion sickness. This is a very simple and practical way to use the herb of this plant.
Lithium angelica - application
1. Angelica angelica in the kitchen
Angelica angel found an interesting application in the kitchen. Although the main raw material obtained from angelica are roots, its leaves are an indispensable component of herbal teas, andcandied angelica leaf stalks are used to decorate cakesOnly fresh, young, green pencil-thick tails are suitable for candying .
Strong, clean scent makes lithium a great herb for candying . The diluted syrup is added to cooling drinks and flavored with fruit salads and ice cream.
Angelica is also added by cooking sour fruit to reduce sugar consumption . Below we present a proven recipe for candied angelica.
Recipe for candied angelica
Ingredients:about 0.5 kg of angelica stems, two and a half glasses of sugar, 1 glass of water
Preparation:Wash the angelica stalks and cut them into 7 cm pieces. Boil until tender in a little water. Then strain, remove the skin and place on a shallow dish. Sprinkle with sugar, cover and leave for 2 days. Then put into a pot with water, bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Simmer until all the syrup is absorbed and the stems are transparent. Drain and cool. Sprinkle the stems with sugar, place on a wire dryer to dry. Store protected from light.
2. Angelica angelica as an ornamental plant
The use of angelica is not limited to medicine and cooking as itsumbels can be dried and used in winter floristic compositions .
3. Angelica angelica as a fragrant decoration
Dried angelica leaves can also be used for potpourri, i.e. dried mixtures of plants that smell attractive and decorate a glass dish in the apartment.
4. Angelica in cosmetics
Dried angelica leaves should be added to a calming bath.
Angelica angelica in the garden
Fig. Bev Wagar, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Angelica angelica - cultivation
Growing angelica in the garden is not difficultWe just need to prepare a suitable place for it, because this plant grows quite large. Angelica angelica grows well both in sunny and shaded places. It requires fertile, humus and permeable soils. On heavy soils, plants form a large vegetative mass, but their roots are smaller and of worse quality.
Angelica is propagated from seedsYou can sow them directly into the ground or prepare a seedling under covers. More often, however, they are sown directly into the ground. Seeds should be sown right after harvest, i.e. in early autumn (September), because then they have the greatest germination capacity. They must not be kept for too long, because after three months they lose their vitality. Young plants will emerge in the spring.
Angel angelica - set
In early summer, cut the young leaves for candyingCollect the leaves before flowering and fresh seeds before the end of summer.Angelica roots are harvested in the fallin the first year of cultivation or in the spring of the following year, before vegetation begins. After cutting the aboveground part, the roots are dug out of the soil and cut. They are then dried at 40 ° C.
Good to knowFor herbal purposes, do not obtain angelica plants from the natural environment.Since 2014, this plant is under partial protection in Poland, and in the years 1983-2014 it was under strict protection. Popularization of the cultivation of angelica in gardens may prevent the destruction of the natural sites of this plant.
MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
