Forest Angelica

Occurrence of Forest Angelica

The forest angelica (Angelica sylvestris) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to Europe and thus also to Germany. The plant has spread as far as Canada, Siberia, and northwestern China.

It is mainly found in partial shade on wet and nutrient-rich soils. Therefore, it thrives in floodplain forests and moist woodland areas but can also be found along riverbanks and on wet meadows. Forest clearings are your best chance to find forest angelica.

Effects of Forest Angelica

Folk medicine values the effects of forest angelica. It is said to provide gentle support for stomach and intestines by promoting proper digestion. It is commonly used for: feelings of fullness, bloating, and mild gastrointestinal cramps. Additionally, finely chopped leaves of forest angelica can be used as a spice, for example in herbal salt, oil, and vinegar.

Ingredients of Forest Angelica

Forest angelica is one of the herbs that contain bitter compounds, making it very valuable to us. You can also find angelica in our BitterKraft! drops – under the alternative name Angelica. Furthermore, forest angelica is characterized by its content of essential oils, tannins, and coumarins.

Appearance of Forest Angelica

The dark green plant is perennial and reaches a height between 50 and 150 centimeters. The white bloom on the hollow stem is striking. The basal leaves are rough, have hairs on the underside, and are divided into two to three leaflets. Their attachment to the stem is strongly swollen. They can grow up to 60 centimeters long. The leaflets are serrated.

The flowering period is between June and September. Compound umbels develop, bearing small white or pink flowers. The umbels resemble open umbrellas in shape.

Interesting Facts about Forest Angelica

When the stems have died back, they serve a new purpose: insects use them as winter quarters to survive the cold.

Caution: The coumarins contained can cause skin irritation similar to that caused by giant hogweed.