MEDICINAL PLANTS

Consignment robust herbaceous plant belonging to the family of the Umbelliferae. In suitable land can reach 2 m. Tall, the stems thick, highly branched, ending in a large umbel compound, with flowers white or pale green. When squeezed, emits a pleasant smell. The plant is native to northern Europe, from Germany up. In the Peninsula is not this species but angelica silvestris, which appears in areas close to the Pyrenees, but the latter does not have the medicinal properties of the former.

FLOWERING

The plant flowers from April and slightly later and is the ripe fruit. From the medical point of view are interesting both the fruit and the leaves and underground stems. The root is started when the plant has not flowered yet and was not taken away the leaves, once plucked, cut into pieces and begins to dry. The fruit is picked ripe, when they are about to fall. With the leaves be taken special care because they are morphologically very similar to the leaves of poison hemlock, which is why, if the harvest is not quite sure what it does, it is best to consult with specialists or even better, that are acquired through unauthorized sales channels such as pharmacies and herbalists.

APPLICATIONS

The entire plant contains a substance, whose composition varies slightly depending on the grass that we choose. In addition to the core are resins, waxes, tanning materials, large amount of starch and a angelicina called coumarin. It is an herb known for its virtue stomach stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and is very useful against dyspepsia, and to whet your appetite. It also has diuretic and expectorant. Coumarin, meanwhile, has a strong sedative effect. Not being a Mediterranean plant was completely unknown to us for a long time. At first he was given an edible use, as a vegetable, especially in the convents, from the eighteenth century began to acquire fame, being used mainly in manufacturing all kinds of liquors stomach.

ADMINISTRATION

First of all, it should be noted that the essence can be quite toxic if eaten in high quantities. In addition, the fresh plant can cause photosensitization problems in certain individuals. Therefore, its use is subject to medical control.
Infusion. 25 gr. Root in a liter of water after wash cold and is drunk in tiny cups during the day.
Spirits, wines, elixirs. Both the leaves and fruits are prepared with all kinds of drinks stomach, of which a small glass taken after meals.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Umbelliferae
HABITAT: North and Central Europe
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Underground stem, leaves and fruits
CASTILIAN: Hierba de los ángeles

USES

Moderate Carminative, Moderate inflammatory, Mild sedative.