For centuries, people in the West associated angelica with magic and sorcery and so wore angelica leaf necklaces to protect themselves against spells and illness. They also felt that its presence in the garden or a kitchen cupboard would protect them against charges of witchcraft.
Angelica plants prefer the coolest part of the garden, and like slightly acid, rich and moist soil. They grow quite tall and therefore, may need supported. They have bright green basal leaves, which divide into oval leaflets, and when young, their stems are red in colour. The angelica plant produces large clusters of yellow flowers from late spring through to summer, after which it will seed itself.
Both the root and the stems can be used as treatments to many health problems, for instance: it can be used as an expectorant, a diuretic, as a general tonic and for its antiseptic properties - in Asia, it has been used as a gynecological aid for thousands of years.
It is the root which has the most medicinal properties, if using angelica as an alternative medicine, it is recommended that the root be dug up in the autumn of the plant’s first year and placed in a heated airing cupboard so that it can be dried quickly. Once dried, it should be stored in an airtight container, which will ensure that it keeps it medicinal properties for several years.
However, the stems also have medicinal properties and once candied, can be used to treat conditions such as PMT, menstrual cramps, flue, abdominal pains such as indigestion and colic; and arthritis – are just a few examples.
Candied angelica is easy to make:
Cut the stems into one-inch lengths and simmer in sugar water until they are soft. Strain. Simmer in a sugar syrup made from one pound of sugar dissolved in half-pint of water for an hour. Strain and allow to dry. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar and store in an airtight tin. And remember this can also be used as a cake decoration.
Please note, pregnant women and diabetic people should steer clear of angelica.
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Oct 15th, 2001
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