Angelica

Common Name

Angelica is a plant with a very rich folklore. Used for many years as a herbal remedy for numerous ailments, angelica is also touted for its ability to ward off evil. Two different legends are credited with giving angelica its name. The first claims an angel appeared to a monk in his dream and presented angelica as protection against the plague. The second claims that angelica blooms every year on the day of the Archangel Michael's feast.

Sometimes called "the Root of the Holy Ghost", for its ability to protect against evil, sickness and witchcraft, the angelica plant can be used in its entirety. Stems, stalks, roots, leaves and seeds all play important medicinal and culinary roles. The root of the Angelica plant is generally considered a spice, and the leaves and stems a herb. Since Medieval times angelica stalks have been used as a vegetable. Angelica has a mild licorice flavor.

The oil found in angelica roots is used to flavor alcohols and liqueurs, most notably gin and Vermouth. This same oil is a popular addition to contemporary perfumes and fragrances. Angelica roots and seeds were once burned in households as a form of incense. Crystallized angelica is also to decorate cakes and desserts.

The angelica plant belongs to the Umbelliferae family and can grow to a height of two meters. Angelica is an extremely fragrant plant with small yellow flowers that bloom during summer.

Purported Medicinal Qualities*

Most of angelica's reported wellness benefits come from the root which can be used fresh or dried. Angelica can increase sugar levels in urine and should therefore not be consumed individuals with diabetes.

Historically, angelica has been used to:

• Promote perspiration
• Calm nerves
• Stimulate appetite
• Relieves gas and digestive digestive problems
• Promote healthy immune system
• As a carminative
• Relieve colds, coughs and fevers
• As a diuretic
• Increase circulation
• As a expectorant
• As a source of iron, vitamin B12 and E
• Inhibit bacterial growth

*Always check with your healthcare provider before consuming, inhaling or otherwise ingesting any non-prescription or prescription natural or homeopathic substance or pharmaceutical. ChefatHand.com is not recommending, suggesting, inferring or otherwise endorsing the use of any herb or spice as a medication.

Culinary/Suggested Use

Food for though:

• Pour boiling water over fresh angelica leaves, steep for a few minutes then drain
• Add fresh angelica leaves or chopped stems in salads or soups for a mild licorice flavor
• Add Angelica to a rhubarb pie - the leaves sweeten tart fruit and reduce acidity
• Angelica is an excellent addition to any jam, jelly or preserve
• Steep dried angelica root in boiling water for 15 minutes for an invigorating tea.

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