Angelica officinalis: beneficial properties and contraindications. Angelica officinalis plant Angelica pharmaceutical

Angelica officinalis medicinal properties and contraindications description photo root use for eye diseases for women plant seeds rhizome
tincture

Angelica archangelica L. (Archangelica officinalis Hoffm.)

Umbelliferae family - Umbelliferae (Apiaceae)

Other name: Angelica officinalis

Description

Or Angelica officinalis a large perennial, sometimes biennial, monocarpic herbaceous plant with a pleasant aroma. The rhizome is vertical, short, thick, with adventitious roots, turning into a tap root, which contains a whitish or yellowish secretion.

The stem is hollow, branched in the upper part, bare, with a bluish coating, 1-2.5 m high.

The leaves are alternate, up to 80 cm long, glabrous, doubly and thrice pinnately dissected, with well-defined sheaths and hollow rounded petioles, the upper ones with reduced blades sitting on strongly swollen sheaths. The edges of the terminal lobes of the leaves are sharply toothed.

The inflorescence is a large, almost spherical, complex umbrella, 8 -15 cm in diameter, with 20 - 40 rays. There is no wrapper; involucre of numerous linear and subulate leaves. The flowers are small, inconspicuous; calyx teeth inconspicuous; the petals are whitish or yellowish-greenish, elliptical, short wedge-shaped at the base, slightly notched at the apex, with the apex curved inward. There are 5 stamens, alternating with petals. The ovary is semiinferior, bilocular, with two short stylodes ending in blunt stigmas; During flowering, the stylodes are shorter than the wide, flat subcolumn.

The fruit is dorsally compressed, broadly elliptical, 5 - 8 mm long, a viscocarp, split into 2 mericarps. The ribs of the mericarp are slightly spongy-thickened; marginal ribs wider than dorsal, widened pterygoidally. Secretory tubules are numerous, small, and surround the endosperm; in addition, there are costal tubules (1-2 in the ribs, near the vascular bundles). The membranes of the mesocarp cells are slit-porous.

Blooms in June-August; the fruits ripen in July-September.

Spreading

Or Angelica officinalis grows in the European part of Russia. Its habitat is continuous and compact. The northern border runs along the coast of the Barents Sea (including Kolguev Island), and the eastern border runs along the right bank of the Usa, reaches the middle reaches of the Pechora and, rounding the right bank of its upper basin, reaches the watershed of the Ural ridge. This natural boundary serves as the eastern border of the range of Angelica officinalis to the very southern tip of the Urals. The natural distribution point for Angelica officinalis is the Volga. Further, the border stretches along the river. Samara and in the Orenburg region it goes into the river valley. Ural.

Angelica medicine. grows along the banks of rivers, lakes, oxbow lakes, streams, in flooded meadows, in willow and alder forests, along the edges of swamps, in clearings and edges of swampy forests, among tall grasses and thickets of shrubs. Optimal conditions for the growth of this species are created in well-lit, moist and damp meadows developed on sufficiently drained parts of the river floodplains of the forest zone, and in the southern part of the range - along the bottoms of gullies and depressions, where humus-rich, often silty, meadow soils with moderate variable temperatures are developed. moisturizing. In such places, for example, in some types of birch and alder forests in the Moscow region, developed on river terraces above the floodplain, angelica sometimes reaches 3 m in height. Angelica medicine. found as a weedy meadow plant in floodplain foxtail-bluegrass and canarygrass meadows, as well as in willow forests, mainly from Salix fragilis L..

Reproduction

Angelica officinalis reproduces only by seeds, which germinate well among adult plants of the same species. In cultivation, the plant blooms in the second year of life, but in nature, flowering occurs only at the age of 5 - 30 years. When mowing flowering stems, secondary formation of generative shoots was noted in the same year, while their repeated development the following year was never observed.

Varieties

Angelica officinalis should be distinguished from Angelica sylvestris L, which somewhat resembles it in appearance. The inflorescence of this species is a complex corymbose umbrella (in A. archangelica it is a complex spherical umbrella); the flower corollas are white, often with a pink tint, the leaf petioles have strongly pronounced ribs, bilateral in cross-section with a central cavity of irregular shape. The fruits of Angelica silica are smaller, with single tubules in the hollows, thread-like dorsal ribs and wing-shaped marginal ribs. These species are also well distinguished by smell, especially of underground organs.

Along the coasts of the Baltic and North Seas there is a special species very close to A. archangelica - coastal angelica - Angelica littoralis Fries. In Siberia, Angelica officinalis is replaced by a closely related species, Angelica decurrens - A. decurrens (Ledeb.) B. Fedtsch., whose distribution in the east is limited to Transbaikalia, and in the south - to the ridges of the northern Tien Shan. The boundary of the ranges of these two species in the Urals has not yet been sufficiently studied, since individuals are found here that combine the characteristics of both species. In Central Asia, related species of Komarov's angelica are found - A. komarovii (Schischk.) V. Tichom. (western Pamir-Altai, Fergana Range) and short-stemmed angelica - A. brevicaulis (Rupr.) B. Fedtsch. (from the Dzungarian Alatau to the western Tien Shan and Pamir-Altai). These taxa are often considered species of A. archangelica). However, their use in medicine is not provided for in the technical documentation for the raw material of Angelica officinalis.

Chemical composition

Active ingredients

Angelica officinalis rhizomes contain essential oil (1%), coumarins and furocoumarins, tannins, terpenoids, organic acids, including valeric, phytosterols, resins, wax, bitter substance, sugar (2.4%).

The leaves and flowers of angelica contain the flavonoid diosmin, and the fruits contain coumarins.

The fruits contain coumarins: bergapten, ostrutol, isopimpinellin, oxypeucedanin and fellopterin.

Application

Food use

Leaves, shoots, roots are edible. It is mainly used for food as a spicy and aromatic plant. The washed and dried roots are crushed into powder and added to dough, sauces, sprinkled on meat when frying (5-7 minutes before cooking). Collected in the fall and dried, angelica seeds are used to flavor first courses, homemade tinctures and liqueurs.
Dishes with angelica improve digestion and are a source of vitamins and other biologically active substances. The presence of aromatic substances allows the use of angelica in the distillery industry for the production of wines, liqueurs (Benedict, Chartreuse) and vermouth. In a number of northern European countries, young stems and leaf petioles of Angelica officinalis are used to make jam, candied fruits and sweets.

Essential oil from its roots is used in the perfume industry.

Medicinal use

Collection and processing of medicinal raw materials

Rhizomes with roots of non-flowering plants are harvested. Every year in Russia, 15 - 20 tons of dry raw material of angelica officinalis are harvested. The largest amount of raw materials is supplied by the Voronezh region and Bashkiria.

In the 1st year, plants are harvested in the fall, in the 2nd year - in early spring. Rhizomes with roots of non-flowering angelica specimens are usually dug up in the fall or spring before budding begins, in order to avoid contamination of the raw material with defective underground organs of flowering specimens. The dug up rhizomes are thoroughly cleaned of soil, washed in cold water and cut off at the very base of the stem and cut across. Dry the raw materials in a well-ventilated area, in attics, under sheds or in a dryer at a temperature of 35...40 ° C, laying them out in a thin layer.. In good weather, rhizomes with angelica roots can be dried in the open air, spreading them out in a thin layer on paper or fabric, carefully turning it over from time to time.

In some European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Romania, etc.) this species is cultivated to obtain valuable essential oil.

The raw material has an aromatic odor. Store in a well-closed wooden container for 3 years.

Application in official and folk medicine

Angelica officinalis medicinal properties

Since ancient times, angelica has been considered a medicinal plant. Stimulates blood circulation, improves immunity. The medicinal raw materials are rhizomes with roots, which have a pleasant, refreshing odor. It has antifermentative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects. Water-alcohol tincture is used for rheumatism, gout, arthritis, radiculitis. In traditional Chinese medicine, angelica is used to combat infertility and prevent female diseases. In China, it is believed that angelica is second only to ginseng in its medicinal properties.

The roots and rhizomes are used in a number of countries for gastrointestinal diseases to enhance the secretory and motor functions of the intestines and reduce fermentation processes in them, and also as a diuretic. They are part of a diuretic collection and are also used to treat nervous diseases, rheumatism and arthritis.

In modern medicine, plant preparations are recommended as a tonic and in some cases can replace valerian root, and are also used as a means of increasing bile secretion.

In folk medicine, young shoots and buds boiled in whey are used as an appetite improver. A decoction of the root is drunk for colds, to stimulate appetite, for flatulence, for sluggish digestion due to previous illnesses, for belching, abdominal pain, dropsy, inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, for nervous exhaustion, insomnia, convulsions, diseases of the biliary tract, hypocidal gastritis, duodenitis, colitis. For the same purposes, crushed rhizomes with roots are used, which are taken in powder form 3 times a day, 0.5 g.

For gout, rheumatism and lower back pain, alcohol tinctures are used for rubbing.

A decoction of the roots is prepared at a rate of 1:10 and taken 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day. Vodka infusion is taken for toothache. For rubbing against rheumatic and gouty pain in joints, radiculitis, muscle pain, use an alcohol tincture from the roots and rhizomes of angelica. The tincture is also prescribed to enhance the secretion of gastric juice.

To prepare the decoction, place 3 tablespoons of raw materials in an enamel bowl, add 1 glass of hot water, boil over low heat for 30 minutes, cool at room temperature for 10 minutes and filter. Take hot, 0.5 cups 2-3 times a day after meals.

Preparation of tincture. 1 part of the roots is infused in 10 parts of vodka for 10 days. The tincture is filtered and taken 50 drops before meals.

Infusion of angelica officinalis herb (for baths) 100 g of herb is poured into 3 liters of boiling water, left for 4 hours. Strain into a bath at a temperature of 37°C. Take a bath before bed. After the bath, the body is wet and tea with valerian is drunk.

Recipes for various diseases

Collection 1. Grind the roots of angelica and pour vodka into them in a ratio of 1:10. Rub your joints.

Insomnia

Collection 1. Take 15 g of dried angelica roots, add 1 glass of water, bring to a boil, boil for 10 minutes, cool and strain. Take 1 tablespoon before bedtime.

Use the same recipe as for treating insomnia (see above). Take 1 tablespoon 3-4 times a day.

Collection 2. Preparation of infusion. 8-10 g of rhizomes with roots are poured with 2 cups of boiling water (in a thermos) and left for 6-8 hours. Drink half a glass 3-4 times a day half an hour before meals as a diaphoretic, expectorant for bronchitis, laryngitis, as an antispasmodic for spasms of organs with smooth muscles.

Collection 3. A tablespoon of dry crushed raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water and left for 30 minutes. Strain, drink 2 tablespoons 3 times a day before meals. Used for insomnia, nervous and sexual excitability, cough, urinary retention.

Chronic gastritis

Collection 1. Decoction of the herb angelica officinalis. A tablespoon of dry crushed angelica officinalis herb is boiled in 250 ml of water for 5 minutes, left for 2 hours. Strain, drink a quarter glass of honey for coughs, chronic pancreatitis, chronic gastritis.

Toothache

Collection 1. Juice from fresh leaves of Angelica officinalis. The leaves are crushed. The resulting natural juice is dropped into the ear for pain or applied on a cotton swab to sore gums or teeth.

Diabetes

Collection 1. Decoction of rhizomes and roots of Angelica officinalis. 3 tablespoons of dry crushed rhizome of angelica officinalis are poured into a glass of water and boiled for 10 minutes. Infuse for 20 minutes, drink half a glass 2-3 times a day before meals for diabetes and weight loss.

Collection 2. Powder from rhizomes and roots of Angelica officinalis. The rhizomes and roots of the plant are dried and ground into powder in a mortar, mixer or coffee grinder. The powder is taken 0.5 g 3 times a day before meals for abdominal colic, bloating, gastritis, kidney disease, bladder disease and diabetes.

Joint pain

Collection 1. Tincture of angelica officinalis rhizomes. Rhizomes and roots of angelica (dry or fresh) are crushed and filled with 70° alcohol in a ratio of 1:10. Leave in a dark place at room temperature for 14 days. Strain and use as a rub for joint diseases, neuralgic and muscle pain in diabetes mellitus.

Angelica officinalis Contraindications

No contraindications for use were found.

When processing angelica roots, people prone to skin allergies may experience blisters on their hands. Caution must be exercised.

Modern man has become very distant from nature and the knowledge that our ancestors passed on to us. But this did not make him healthier, and sometimes after many unsuccessful attempts to cure this or that ailment, we turn to herbs and healers. To regain knowledge again, you need to study plants and their properties. And today you can learn about one very useful herb called angelica.

This plant has existed on our planet for thousands of years. And for the same amount of time it has been known for its beneficial qualities for humans. Angelica was used to treat many diseases, and the effect of the treatment was good. Over such a long history of its existence, the plant has acquired many other names - angelica, meadow oaks, bordanka, sweet trunk, angelica.

Did you know? According to ancient legends of some peoples of the world, angelica was given to people from heaven. This happened when people were struck by the plague, and there was no salvation from the disease. At that moment, an angel sent from God descended from above, and in his hands was the root of a wonderful plant. Then people called angelica archangelica (Latin).

According to scientists, the grass has a homeland in the northern regions of Eurasia. In the 14th century, angelica was brought to European countries from the Scandinavian regions. Since ancient times, our Slavic ancestors used it to treat various ailments. The plant gave health, strength, beauty. Moreover, it was angelica that saved a person from poison after a snake bite.

The grass still grows in our country. At the same time, it is quite widespread throughout the territory; herbalists can prepare angelica in the European part, and in the Urals, and in Siberia. It grows in the mountainous Caucasus and the Far East. Here the grass grows wild. Sometimes it can be specially cultivated in certain regions. But in Europe, many countries grow angelica purposefully.

Description of the plant

So that you can better understand what we are talking about, look at the photo of angelica. This grass has a tall stem that exceeds the height of a person. It blooms in umbels with white or yellow flowers. The sheets are beautiful as they have carved contours. The grass has a rather pronounced aroma, its roots grow over a long distance, holding tightly to the soil, but at the same time they do not grow deep. Angelica root also has its own subtle aroma.

The stem has many branches, the leaves on it are large, and there is a silvery coating. The plant blooms in the second and third decades of summer. If angelica is a year old, then it does not bloom and the time for its collection is September, October. If the herb is two years old or older, it will flower and be harvested in April and May.

For information! The powerful root of angelica is very healing and smells pleasant. It is the raw material for medicines for many diseases. To understand why the herb is valued, read further on its composition.

Angelica officinalis. What is his strength?

Of course, every medicinal plant helps a person because it contains various necessary components and vitamins. Angelica is considered a herb that can give health and strength. It contains a lot of essential oils and acids (malic, acetic, valerian, etc.). The composition is also rich in tannins, carotene, antioxidants, sugars, resins, and bitter substances. That's not all.

Nature has not deprived the plant of proteins, vegetable fats, calcium, pectin components, ascorbic acid, and phosphorus. Without these components, our body cannot be healthy, and they can be replenished so easily by using the plant in your everyday life. It is worth noting that angelica contains fiber, and our gastrointestinal tract needs it for digestion and cleansing the body of all harmful and unnecessary substances.

For information! Essential oil is made from the rhizome of the plant and is used for therapy. It contains all the beneficial substances, while its aroma is subtle and has notes of musk. Scientists also believe that the oil contains one of the very important components - phelandrene.

Angelica plant. Its benefits and contraindications

Medicinal properties

• Used as a powerful remedy for immunity.
• The plant has always been valued for its ability to help our cardiovascular system and improve blood flow.
• Removes bile, helps kidney function. It has a good effect on the health of people who were or are dependent on alcohol.
• Stimulates and tones the nervous system.
• An excellent assistant for those people who suffer from various back pains and diseases. To do this, use alcohol infusions as a rub.
• And during a cold, angelica is our assistant, as it can lower the temperature, cope with the pathogenic environment of microbes and bacteria, and relieve a painful cough.
• The grass normalizes blood pressure and improves motor skills.
• Infusions based on angelica root help our digestion. The body begins to receive maximum nutrients, and waste, toxins, and carcinogens are removed from it.
• Medicinal components help lower cholesterol levels.

Agree how unique this herb is. So, why don’t we know anything about it, and even if we know where it grows, we don’t use it for therapy. After all, it is much easier to use natural gifts than to drink tablets with a chemical composition.

Angelica officinalis for women

All of the above qualities of the herb are beneficial for everyone, but angelica has certain properties that can help women's health. Namely, the plant gives a chance to get pregnant for women who suffer from anemia, problems with blood circulation, and constantly feel tired. Against this background, it is very difficult to conceive a child.
If you use angelica for therapy, you can gain strength, because we remember how the Slavs called angelica in ancient times. The woman will regain health, her skin will not be pale and dry. The plant also helps those who have already given birth to remove weakness, restore menstruation, and relieve pain in the pelvis. In a word, angelica is essential for women’s health for its medicinal properties and composition.

Contraindications. Who should not use herbs for therapy?

Whenever using a particular plant or products made on its basis for treatment or prevention, it is necessary to understand about individual intolerance to the components. Someone can drink the infusion as tea, while others can get severe allergies. After all, we all have different bodies.

The infinitely useful angelica does not have any special contraindications or side effects; it is not suitable for two categories of people - women, when they are already carrying a child, note that after childbirth and for conception, the herb is useful, and people with diabetes. Well, as was said earlier, plants are not allowed for those who may be allergic to them.

Important! Even if you know everything about the state of your health, what diseases you have or don’t have, still never engage in treatment at home without consulting a doctor. Women need to be especially careful, because sometimes we may not immediately find out about our pregnancy, during which we should not drink decoctions or infusions based on angelica root.

We must use the medicinal properties of the plant for our health, immunity, and prevention. After all, anyone can collect raw materials, as well as make an infusion, and you will receive an environmentally friendly medicine. Properly selected herb can help you get back on your feet after the most serious illness, so is it worth neglecting such gifts?

We hope you found the article useful, and now your knowledge about traditional medicine has become more complete. You can prepare the herb yourself or buy it ready-made at the pharmacy. But remember the collection deadlines.

All materials on the website are presented for informational purposes only. Before using any product, consultation with a doctor is MANDATORY!

Syn.: angelica officinalis, angelica, angelica, angelica, angelica, wolf's pipe, stinking angelica, piper, angelica, angelica, dudel, angelica, kukhotina, meadow pipe, podranitsa, subdranica, cannon, garden angelica.

Biennial (less often perennial) herbaceous plant with a pleasant aroma. It has choleretic, antispasmodic, expectorant, diuretic, tonic, sedative, diaphoretic, and strengthening properties.

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Flower formula

In medicine

In folk medical practice, angelica officinalis is widely used. A decoction of angelica rhizomes is used for flatulence, lumbago, insomnia, gastrointestinal diseases, biliary dyskinesia, gastritis, stomatitis, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, gingivitis, pneumonia, and also as an expectorant, bactericidal, diuretic, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory agent. Tincture of angelica roots is used to enhance the motor and secretory functions of the intestines, to increase appetite and normalize digestion, and also as a disinfectant and antispasmodic for stomach disorders and spasm-like conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The tincture is used externally for rheumatism, gout, myositis, and myalgia. Extract from rhizomes is effective as an antispasmodic and sedative for spasms of organs with smooth muscles. Angelica preparations are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dropsy, radiculitis, measles, scarlet fever, bronchial asthma, skin and gynecological diseases (inflammatory processes of the genital organs, menstrual irregularities, painful menstruation, or dysmenorrhea, fibrocystic mastopathy, PMS, congestion observed in the pelvis, impaired uterine tone, infertility, menopause), as well as to improve libido and increase sexual sensitivity in women. The roots of angelica officinalis are included in diuretic and diaphoretic preparations. Angelica honey has a tonic effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and is used as a good antispasmodic for stomach diseases and colds. Honey is especially effective for insomnia, nervous exhaustion, epilepsy, hysteria, myocardial dystrophy, ischemia, duodenal ulcer, enteritis, gastritis, colitis, constipation, atherosclerosis, enzymatic deficiency and rheumatism. Honey lowers blood pressure, cleanses the blood of toxins and improves immunity. External use of angelica honey is indicated for various diseases of the oral cavity (stomatitis, periodontal disease, gingivitis).

Contraindications and side effects

Before using angelica preparations, it is advisable to consult a doctor. You should not take drugs in case of severe uterine bleeding, pregnancy, abortion, breastfeeding; use them with caution in case of tachycardia, diarrhea, thrombosis, after heart attacks and individual intolerance. An overdose of angelica threatens central nervous system paralysis, and poisoning can provoke the development of skin diseases.

In other areas

Angelica oil with a spicy aroma and pleasant musky taste is obtained from the roots. All parts of the plant are used as a spice in the culinary, food and medical industries. Green shoots and leaf petioles are used in the confectionery industry, the roots are used as a spice for flavoring liqueurs, drinks, wine and in the tobacco industry. The powder of dried roots is used as a flavoring for candies, added to flour when baking bakery and confectionery products, as well as to meat sauces and fried meat. Angelica seeds are used to flavor vodka, sauces, and canned fish. Fresh roots and shoots of angelica are used to make candied fruits, jam, jam, marshmallows and tea substitute. The leaves of the plant's first year are used as salads and side dishes. The above-ground part is widely used to prepare savory sauces in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, England, France and the USA. The peoples of the North use angelica shoots boiled in reindeer milk for food. In the medical industry, angelica roots are used as a corrigens to improve the taste of medicines. In the perfume industry, essential oil from angelica roots is used to flavor colognes, pastes, and creams. At a young age, angelica grass serves as good food for large and small livestock; it is harvested for silage. The dried stems are used to make wind folk instruments, in particular the kalyuk.

Classification

The taxonomic position of Angelica officinalis has so far been interpreted differently. Back in 1753, Linnaeus, in his work “Species plantarum,” described the plant as a species of the genus Angelica (Angelica) – Angelica archangelica. In 1776, Angelica officinalis was allocated to the genus Angelica. In 1814, the basionome of the name Archangelica officinalis Moench.) Hoffm became Angelica officinalis Moench. The names Angelica officinalis Moench and Angelica archangelica L. were later recognized to refer to the same species. This systematic situation was recorded in the “Flora of the USSR” and “Flora of Europe”.

In the vast majority of publications of the 2000s, including international databases, this species is considered as part of the genus Angelica (Latin Angelica) and its correct name is considered to be angelica officinalis (Latin Angelica archangelica L., or Angelica officinalis Moench). The genus contains about 110 species, growing mainly in the northern hemisphere, of the family Umbelliferae (Latin: Umbelliferae, or Apiaceae), (Elenevsky et al. 2004).

Botanical description

A powerful biennial, less often perennial, herbaceous plant with a pleasant aroma, reaches a height of 1-2.5 meters. The rhizome is radish-shaped, thick, with numerous adventitious roots, contains whitish or yellowish milky juice, has a fairly strong sweetish-spicy aroma and bitter taste. In the first year of life, a basal rosette with a small bunch of leaves is formed, in the second, large leaves grow and a tall, hollow, branched in the upper part, bare with a bluish bloom appears. The leaves are alternate, vaginal, triply pinnate, the basal leaves are large, long-petiolate, and triangular in outline. The flowers are small, inconspicuous, whitish or yellowish-greenish, collected in large, spherical inflorescences - a complex umbrella (8-15 cm in diameter), the peduncles in the upper part are densely pubescent. The formula of the angelica flower is *H 5 L 5 T 5 P (2).

The fruit is a drupe, split into two mericarps. It blooms in the second year of life, usually in June - August. The fruits ripen in July – September.

Spreading

Angelica officinalis is one of the most widespread umbelliferous species. It grows wild in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe. In Russia it is found in the European part, in the Urals, Western Siberia, and the North Caucasus. Prefers habitats with high humidity and rich soils with a slightly acidic or neutral reaction. Open areas with soil rich in humus and moisture are especially favorable. It grows in forest ravines, in flooded meadows, among bushes, in swamps, along the edges of swampy spruce and pine-birch forests, on the banks of lakes, rivers, and streams. Often forms large thickets.

It is cultivated very rarely in Russia, mainly in the middle zone. As a spicy-flavoring medicinal plant and a source of essential oil, it is cultivated in Belgium, Holland and a number of European countries. The plant is unpretentious for cultivation, resistant to frost, and responds well to mineral fertilizers. Propagated by seeds and vegetatively.

Regions of distribution on the map of Russia.

Procurement of raw materials

For medicinal purposes, the roots and, less commonly, leaves and seeds are used. When collecting raw materials, it is important to correctly identify the plant, since in appearance it resembles some poisonous species of umbrella plants. Particular attention should be paid to the integrity of the plant, since damaged raw materials lose their healing properties. Raw materials are harvested in late autumn in September - October, and plants of the first year of life are used. The collection of plants of the second year of life is carried out in March - April. The roots of angelica are dug up, shaken off the ground, and the above-ground part of the plant is cut off. The roots are washed in cold water, cut lengthwise and hung to dry. The raw materials are dried in the open air or in the attic, or in dryers at a temperature of 35 - 40 o C. The leaves are collected in the flowering phase and dried in the open air. Store harvested raw materials in hermetically sealed cardboard boxes or bags for 2 years. For use as a spice, the roots are dug up during the period of fruit ripening. The inflorescences are tied into bunches and dried to thresh the seeds. Dry the raw materials in the same way. The finished raw material is a reddish-gray cylindrical ring-shaped segments of rhizomes with roots extending from them. Raw materials with a strong aromatic odor that intensifies when crushed, a taste that is spicy, bitter, slightly hot. The seeds and roots of the plant are also stored in airtight containers, especially the roots, which easily absorb moisture and lose their aromatic properties.

Chemical composition

All parts of the plant contain up to 1% essential oil. The essential oil contains monoterpenes: phellandrene, pinene, borneol, cymene; terpenoids, coumarins (osthol, osthenol, umbelliprenin, xanthotoxin, imperatorin, angelicin, archangelcin, umbelliferone); phthalic acid derivatives: legustilide, sedanolide. Polyacetylene compounds were found in angelica oil: falcarinol, falcarindiol; coumarins: pinene, osthole and furocoumarin, angelicin and furocoumarins (angelicin, xanthotoxin, psolaren, bergapten, oxypeucedanin); phytosterols, resins - 6%, wax, bitter and tannins, organic acids (malic, acetic, angelic, valeric, etc.); sugars, pectins, carotene, starch. Up to 20% fatty oil is found in the fruits, ascorbic acid, calcium, and phosphorus are found in the leaves. Angelica honey contains vitamins, minerals, trace elements, fructose - 43% and glucose -38%.

Pharmacological properties

The wide range of medicinal effects of angelica is due to the biologically active substances contained in the plant. The essential oil has choleretic, diaphoretic, tonic, antispasmodic, analgesic, bactericidal, expectorant, diuretic effects, and also enhances the secretion of glands and gastrointestinal motility, reduces the fermentation process in the intestines, normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system, tones the cardiovascular system, and increases bile secretion. Bitter substances stimulate appetite and have a choleretic effect, and tannins have astringent, anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, bacteriostatic, vasoconstrictor, and bactericidal properties. Pinene has an expectorant effect and increases bile secretion; coumarins – antiseptic, astringent, diuretic; borneol – antispasmodic, analgesic, antimicrobial, antipyretic, stimulant, anti-inflammatory; furocoumarin – antitumor activity. In addition, angelica has phytoestrogenic and phytohormonal effects and normalizes a woman’s hormonal balance. Angelica oil has a bactericidal and antispasmodic effect on the respiratory tract. Angelica honey has a tonic, calming, anti-inflammatory, restorative, anti-radiation, antiviral, antibacterial effect, increases physical and mental activity, enhances the body's resistance to toxins, increases immunity, improves memory, lowers blood pressure, restores intestinal microflora, relieves intestinal spasms, normalizes metabolism substances, kidney and liver functioning.

Use in folk medicine

Preparations prepared from the herb and roots of angelica officinalis were used in the old days and are still used in folk medicine. It was used to remove poison from a snake bite. A decoction of the roots of angelica officinalis is used for diseases of the liver, gall bladder, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis, helps with neurosis, pneumonia and flatulence, and the seeds are used as a thoracic, carminative and diuretic. Angelica leaves are used both externally and as a tincture internally. Pounded angelica leaves, mixed in equal quantities with rue leaves and honey, have a wound-healing effect and are used to localize poison in the treatment of bites from rabid animals. Angelica herb is used as an anthelmintic and antirheumatic agent. An infusion of angelica roots is used as a stimulant, diaphoretic, choleretic, diuretic, astringent, expectorant, anthelmintic, tonic and strengthening agent. The tincture is taken orally for bloating, bronchitis, bronchial asthma, epilepsy, hysteria, digestive disorders, dyspepsia, flatulence, inflammation of the respiratory tract, gastritis, colitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, inflammation of the pancreas, urinary retention, insomnia, nervous disorders (exhaustion) , as well as activation of motor and secretory work of the intestines; externally - for gout, hysteria, rheumatism, toothache and ear pain. The extract is used for rinsing for inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity. Angelica ointment is used in the treatment of skin diseases and festering old wounds. Preparations from the fruits of angelica relieve cramps and remove bile. Typhoid fever, cholera, scarlet fever and measles were treated with flowering stems. Angelica root was part of theriac, a remedy that for many centuries was considered a universal medicine.

Historical reference

Angelica has long been known as a medicinal plant; it was introduced to Central Europe in the 14th century. The plant was bred mainly in monasteries; the monks of the Benedictine Order, who sold candied angelica and Benedikten liqueur, were especially famous for its processed products. The generic scientific name of the plant, Angelica, comes from Lat. angelus - “angel”, “God’s messenger”, Avid’s epithet archangelica - from archangelus - “archangel” - senior angel. According to legend, an angel pointed out the medicinal properties of the plant. According to this legend, Archangel Michael advised the monks to chew the roots of this plant to protect themselves from the plague. According to another legend, the name is explained by the fact that the plant has the most pronounced medicinal properties among the representatives of the genus Angelica, just as the archangel is the eldest among the angels. There is also an interpretation that the generic and specific definition translated from Greek is “angel-archangel”, since according to Christian myth this divine spirit brought the root of angelica officinalis to Earth, which he then began to use to treat the plague.

Literature

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The herbaceous plant Angelica officinalis (Archangelica officinalis), also called Angelica officinalis, is a species of the Angelica genus of the Apiaceae family. The homeland of this herb is the northern part of Eurasia. Gardeners grow it as an ornamental, medicinal and aromatic plant. It is also called Angelica, Wolf's pipe, meadow angelica, common grass, podranica, angelica, piper, and in Europe - angelica or angelica. Angelica was brought to Central Europe from Scandinavia in the 15th century, after which it spread to other areas. In nature, angelica prefers to grow in pine-birch and spruce forests, along forest ravines, and also along the banks of streams and rivers.

Angelica officinalis is a herbaceous, fragrant biennial plant, which in the first year of growth forms only a basal rosette consisting of a bunch of leaf plates, while the development of peduncles and shoots occurs only in the second year. The short, brown, radish-shaped rhizome reaches about 80 mm in diameter and is overgrown with many adventitious roots. It contains milky juice of white or pale yellow color. A single erect bare thick stem reaches a height of about 250 cm, it has a cylindrical shape, is branched in the upper part, and hollow inside. Alternately arranged triple-pinnate leaf plates have large two- or three-lobed ovoid segments. The basal leaves are large, triangular in shape and have long petioles, while the stem leaves are smaller and have a stem-encompassing sheath. The umbrella-shaped inflorescence is quite large, complex and almost spherical, it consists of 20–40 rays and reaches about 15 centimeters in diameter. The inflorescence is formed on a peduncle, which has dense pubescence in the upper part. Small flowers consist of 5 petals of greenish-yellow color; they do not represent any decorative value. The fruit is an elliptical two-seeded yellow or pale green color, which splits into 2 semi-fruits. Flowering of the bush is observed in the second year of life from June to August. Fruit ripening occurs in July–September.

Sowing

For growing angelica, well-lit areas or those in partial shade are best suited, and the soil should be nutritious, well-moistened and permeable. The site is prepared immediately before sowing; for this purpose, it is dug up and humus or compost is added to the soil. Then the surface of the area is leveled. This crop is sown in open ground in September before winter; before the onset of spring, the seed will have time to undergo natural stratification. Seeds need to be sown thickly, because their germination rate is relatively low. If excessively dense shoots appear in the spring, they will need to be planted, adhering to the 60x40 or 60x30 centimeters pattern. Crops do not need shelter for the winter.

In the case when the sowing of angelica seeds is planned for the spring, they will need to be stratified. To do this, the seed is placed in the refrigerator on the vegetable shelf, where it will remain for 3 winter months. However, do not forget to first combine it with moistened sand and pour the resulting mixture into a container. Most often, with the onset of spring, very few germinating seeds remain.

After the seedlings appear, it is recommended to mulch the surface of the bed with moss, which will have a beneficial effect on plant productivity. It is very simple to grow angelica on your own plot; to do this, you need to water it during drought, remove weeds from the plot, feed it with mineral fertilizers twice a season, often loosen the soil surface around the bushes, and also, if necessary, protect them from harmful insects and diseases.

Diseases and pests

In some cases, such a herbaceous plant is affected by fungal diseases, namely powdery mildew or rust. Experts do not recommend spraying bushes with chemicals, as they are characterized by their ability to accumulate toxic substances. In this regard, it is better to resort to preventive measures: adhere to the rules of crop rotation, feed the plants with mineral fertilizers with a minimum amount of nitrogen, and systematically remove weeds from the garden beds.

Angelica is distinguished by its resistance to drought, and the greatest danger of harmful insects for it is the spider mite, which also prefers dry weather. In order to get rid of ticks, the bushes should be sprayed with tobacco infusion. To prepare it, combine three liters of water and 0.2 kg of tobacco or shag; after a day, the infusion will be ready. The strained infusion must be combined with 50 mg of liquid soap to increase its stickiness, then the bushes and the soil underneath them are treated with it.

Most often, angelica root is used for medicinal purposes; only in some cases its leaves and seeds are used for this purpose. For bushes of the first year of life, root harvesting is carried out in the autumn (September–October), and for plants of the second year of life, in the spring (March–April). They should be carefully removed from the soil, then the remaining soil is removed from the roots and the above-ground part is cut off. After this, a thorough inspection of the raw materials is carried out, and those roots that have been injured by moles or voles must be discarded, because they lose their medicinal properties. Then the roots need to be washed in cold water and cut lengthwise. Pieces of raw materials are laid out in one layer on a wire rack, paper sheet or thin cloth for drying; they are placed in the shade in the open air or in a well-ventilated room. In order to dry the roots in the oven, you should heat it to a temperature of 35–40 degrees. The foliage is harvested during the flowering period; it is dried in a shaded place in the open air.

After the raw materials are ready, they are placed in cardboard boxes that can be tightly closed, or in bags. It can be stored for no longer than 2 years.

Main types and varieties

Angelica officinalis has 3 subspecies, namely: Angelica archangelica subsp. archangelica; Angelica archangelica subsp. norvegica; Angelica archangelica subsp. litoralis. In Russia, work on developing new varieties of this plant is not underway. The most popular among gardeners are European varieties of angelica such as Jizerka and Budakalaszi.

Properties of angelica: harm and benefit

Angelica officinalis contains a large number of useful substances. Thus, the rhizome contains essential oils, valeric, malic, acetic, angelic and other acids, as well as resins, wax, sugars, carotene, pectins, bitter and tannins. An essential oil is extracted from the roots, which is a musky-smelling liquid that contains protein, fats, proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, fatty oils, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin B12 and ascorbic acid. The oil has such a characteristic aroma due to the fact that it contains the substance ambrettolide.

For a long time, people have known that this plant helps stimulate blood circulation, strengthen the immune system and heart muscle, increase the secretion of pancreatic juice and bile, and also tones the nervous and cardiovascular systems. It is used for gout, rheumatism, and also for kidney diseases. To rub the lower back for pain, use an alcohol tincture of angelica. Its rhizome is included in preparations that are recommended during the treatment of alcohol addiction. This root also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and diuretic effects. It is recommended for use for bronchitis, colds, indigestion, infertility in anemic women, circulatory disorders, prenatal and postpartum weakness and dizziness. Angelica is also used for cystitis and rheumatic inflammatory processes due to the fact that it has an antiseptic effect. In alternative medicine, it is used for withering and irritation of the skin, and also in the treatment of psoriasis. The fragrance of such a plant is often used in the cosmetics and perfume industry, especially in colognes and perfumes with an oriental bouquet. It is also used in the food industry to flavor alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Angelica honey is very valuable; its color varies from amber-red to dark brown. Honey can have a lard-like, fine-grained, resin-like or even thicker consistency. This honey differs from the rest in that it has a weak ability to crystallize. It has a specific smell and a sharp, pleasant taste with a barely noticeable bitterness and a caramel-candy aftertaste.

Contraindications

Angelica should not be consumed by people with individual intolerance to the substances it contains. Also, experts do not recommend using it for patients with diabetes and during pregnancy.