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![Angelica Hydrolat]() | Angelica Hydrolat | Angelica archangelica is a large, hairy plant with ferny leaves and caps of small, white flowers. It has a very large root and essential oil can be distilled from this root - which is very expensive - or from the seed. The hydrolat, traditionally taken from the distillation of the seed, is commonly used in Southern France as an aperitif to help stimulate and improve digestion. Traditionally, angelica hydrolat has been used for bronchial ailments, particularly asthma. Inhaled as steam from a bath or vaporiser, angelica helps to relieve breathing difficulties. Internally, as a health drink, apart from being used as an aperitif, it can be used for constipation, flatulence and stomach cramp. There is also the possibility that the water was used in the past to help improve female fertility.
The hydrolat is a clear liquid that smells somewhat smoky, with a slight hint of fennel. It is an unobtrusive, not unpleasant aroma with green, earthy undertones. To taste, it is very slightly aniseed, with green taints and smoky undertones. Having a 1% density, the chemical components found in the water after analysis are mainly ketones (18%) and alcohols (55%), which would suggest that the water is antiseptic, analgesic, decongestant, digestive and calming. Therefore angelica water may well be useful against stress and anxiety.
Today angelica hydrolat is used mainly in Southern Europe and France for children's digestive problems and nausea and vertigo in adults. It is also used as an antiseptic for the skin - particularly for acne and boils, for use against fluid retention, and as an aid to restful sleep after a heavy meal. The mild aniseed taste makes a pleasant beverage for throughout the day, as it is calming for the digestion. Angelica can be used in puddings and deserts and with fish meals. The French claim that angelica water can help women in the menopausal years to combat hot flushes.
For the digestive system
To help promote a healthy, balanced digestive system, dilute 50mls of angelica hydrolat into 1 litre of water and drink throughout the day. Angelica is also suitable for babies and children in smaller amounts - usually 10mls of hydrolat in 500mls water to drink throughout the day.
To help with respiratory ailments
Add up to 50mls to an adult bath and 20mls to a child's bath of warm water and mix well. Make sure that the chest is well covered with water and hydrolat for about 10 minutes before washing. The vapours will also help as they are inhaled from the water. | | |
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