The common angelica, Angelica archangelica, is a biennial aromatic plant that is fantastic in every way.
It belongs to the Apiaceae family, formerly called Umbelliferae, in reference to their inflorescences. This family also includes carrots, fennel, chervil and coriander. Like angelica, all these plants are used in cooking due to their strong aromatic qualities.
With its striking appearance—large, round umbels atop tall, upright stems—angelica is highly ornamental. It adds vertical interest to flower beds and attracts numerous pollinating insects, as it is an excellent food source for many foragers, including honeybees.
This is also a plant of cool to damp environments, native to northern Europe, with countless qualities, particularly medicinal ones. Some believe these properties inspired its name, "angelica" or "herb of the angels." It is primarily considered a tonic with an aniseed-like flavour. While all parts of the plant are edible, we will focus on how to harvest and store the seeds for their beneficial properties.
Angelica archangelica (photo sources: stems FarceRéjeane Wikipedia / seeds Agnieszka Kwiecien Wikimedia)
When and how to harvest angelica seeds?
As a biennial plant, angelica completes its life cycle over two years. In the first year, it produces only leaves. The flowers appear in June and July of the second year. Consequently, you must wait until late summer of the second year to harvest the seeds.
Collect the seeds once they have fully matured on the plant—when they begin to dry out naturally, around late August.
Choose partially dried umbels for harvesting. Pick them on a dry day to facilitate indoor drying and prevent mould formation.
Cut the large umbels and place them directly on a tray to finish drying in a dark, dry place. A tray is the most suitable tool for drying (and collecting, if you're close to your home), as the small, partially dry seeds will fall off easily and could get stuck in a basket.
Angelica seeds retain their properties for only a very limited time. Therefore, it is advisable to freeze your harvest as soon as drying is complete to preserve the plant's medicinal qualities for as long as possible. Store them in small paper bags before freezing, taking out only one at a time shortly before use.
Dried flowers of Angelica archangelica
Benefits and uses
Indications
Angelica has long been recognised for its medicinal properties. The Romans and Greeks used it in antiquity.
While the leaves can be used in cooking, particularly in soups, in herbal medicine, it is the roots and seeds—and sometimes the stems—that are used.
During the Middle Ages, its root was believed to protect against the plague during epidemics.
Today, we will explore its modern applications, particularly concerning the seeds.
Traditionally, angelica is primarily used to relieve digestive discomfort. It is said to stimulate appetite and act as a stomachic, enhancing stomach function. It may also alleviate digestive issues such as flatulence and bloating, among others.
It is also thought to have a calming effect, reducing pain from colic and intestinal spasms.
Additionally, it is used for respiratory conditions, helping to soothe coughs and bronchitis.
Furthermore, while angelica has a nervine calming effect, it is also considered stimulating during convalescence, making it useful for combating fatigue.
Angelica officinalis root (photo source: Maša Sinreih - Wikimedia)
Uses
Herbal tea
The seeds are typically used in infusions, at a ratio of 1.5 g per 250 ml cup (about 1 teaspoon). Pour boiling water over the seeds, cover, and steep for about 10 minutes before straining. Do not add sugar. This tea can be consumed one to three times a day, before or after meals. For more details, consult a healthcare professional.
Angelica wine
The seeds are also used in traditional digestive liqueurs, such as Vespetrò from the Italian Alps.
You can make a digestive angelica wine by macerating 50 g of seeds in 1 litre of white wine for three days. Drink in moderation, of course!
Contraindications and warnings
That said, precautions are necessary to ensure a positive experience. Due to its potential abortifacient effects, it must be avoided during pregnancy. However, it is safe during breastfeeding and is even considered a galactagogue (promoting lactation), often found in herbal teas designed for this purpose.
Among the active compounds in angelica are furocoumarins, which are photosensitising—meaning they can trigger allergic reactions to sunlight. Fortunately, these compounds are poorly soluble in water, so they are less present in infusions. The risk of photosensitivity is low but still possible. Avoid prolonged sun exposure immediately after consuming angelica.
Be cautious: if you are unsure whether a plant is angelica, take the time to identify it correctly. Confusion with wild angelica is less concerning, as it is also edible and has similar therapeutic properties. However, mistaking it for water hemlock (Cicuta virosa) would be, as expected, fatal. Be extremely vigilant!
Flowers and leaves of Water Hemlock (photo source on the right: Qwert1234 - Wikimedia)
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