The angelica plant is one of the most highly regarded herbs. Steeped in legend and valued for its many medicinal properties, angelica has been used for the past 2,000 years. Many magickal claims for this herb have persisted through the years – protection from the poisons and the spells of witches – is now just folklore. Today, herbalists recommend other, more viable uses for the herb, such as for treating indigestion, fatigue insomnia and tension. There are many species of the herb. Angelica archangelica is the one used most in Western medicine. Its properties promote digestion, eliminate bloating and relieve cramps. In addition, nervous stomach complaints respond very well to it. Furthermore, angelica tea can stimulate the functions of the gallbladder, the liver, and the pancreas. It increases stamina, strengthens the entire body and may help prevent disease, as well.
Preparation of the Tea
Add 2 tsp. of angelica root to 1 cup of cold water and bring to a boil under low heat. Boil briefly, and then remove from heat; steep for 5-10 minutes and strain. Keep the pot covered while you are steeping the tea, so that the essential oils are retained. Drink 1 cup of angelica tea 3 times a day, about 30 minutes before meals. You can sweeten the tea with honey, if desired.
Therapeutic Effect: Antibacterial pinene is a main component of angelica root’s essential oil. The herb also contains bitters, tannins, resins, coumarins, pectin and sugar. The whole plant – the roots, stems and seeds – is a warming expectorant useful for asthma and bronchitis. Angelica also has antiseptic and diuretics properties, which can help treat urinary-tract infections.
For Bloating: Angelica tea relieves feelings for fullness and bloating, especially after large meals. When poor digestion, swallowing air while eating, eating too quickly or poor food choices causes gas build-up, angelica tea can help to alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms, strengthening normal digestive functions at the same time.
For Mood Lifting: Drinking angelica tea may enhance your mood, lift depression and improve general malaise. It also relieves nerve-related digestive problems and insomnia due to tension and anxiety.
A Little Lore: Angelica is believed to have gained its name from a legend that dates back to 1665, the year of the Great Plague. An angel appeared to a monk and revealed the many medicinal properties of the plant, claiming it could end the dreaded epidemic.
Take Care! The furocoumarins in angelica make the skin sensitive to sun and can cause irritation. If you have a reaction, avoid sun exposure while drinking angelica tea.
Healing Tea Mixtures
For Nervous Stomach
2 tsp. angelica root
2 tsp. lemon-balm leaves
1/2 tsp fennel seed
Bring angelica to a simmer in 4 cups of water. Turn off heat; add the lemon balm and fennel. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink 2-3 times a day to relieve indigestions due to nervousness, anxiety and irritability.
For Poor Appetite
1 tsp. gentian root
2 tsp. angelica root
1 tsp. chamomile flowers
1/2 tsp. centaury
1/2 tsp. aniseed
Simmer the gentian lightly in 5 cups water for about 5 minutes; add the other herbs and steep for 10 minutes. Drink1/2 cup before meals to stimulate digestive juices.
For General Malaise
2 tsp. angelica root
1 tsp. ginseng root
1 tsp. dandelion root and leaves
1 tsp. nettles
Simmer the herbs lightly for 10 minutes in 5 cups of water. Remove from heat and steep for 10 minutes; strain. Drink 2 mineral-rich cups a day to help increase stamina and improve liver function.
Medicinal Uses
For Bronchitis with Congestion: If the respiratory passages are severely congested, an herbal tea made with equal parts angelica root and thyme leaves can help. These expectorants will help relieve congestion. For the most benefits, drink 2-3 cups a day, sweetened with honey if desired.
For a Nervous Stomach:Trouble and stress frequently affect the stomach and often result in feelings of pressure and fullness, as well as mouth odor and belching. For a period of 2-3 weeks, drink 1 cup of the unsweetened angelica-blend tea (below) 3 times a day.
Caution: Do not use angelica is you have stomach ulcers.
For Listlessness and Fatigue: Chronic pain and stress often saps strength and can lead to exhaustion. To help combat this effect, drink 2-3 cups of angelica tea daily for 3-4 weeks to lift your spirits and relieve malaise.
