Angelica Root

Angelica sourced from Germany and Belgium

It’s main role in our gin is to provide the earthy base note to our gin brands

Angelica Root is a genus of about 50 species of tall biennial and perennial herbs in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, reaching as far North as Iceland and Lapland. They grow to 1-3 m tall, with large bipinnate leaves and large compound umbels of white or greenish-white flowers Some varieties are grown as flavouring agents or for their medicinal properties. The most notable of these is Garden Angelica (A. archangelica), which is commonly known simply as angelica. Natives of Lapland use the fleshy roots as food and the stalks as medicine. The roots and seeds are sometimes used to flavour gin.

Angelica has a warming and tonifying action on many body systems. It is a gentle expectorant and will gently improve circulation to the hands and feet. It has the effect of eliminating toxins and can be used for the treatment of rheumatism and colds, urinary complaints and colic. Externally the salve can be applied to relieve rheumatic pains. As a compress it can be used for gout.

Reputedly angelica got its name from the archangel who recommended its use during the plague. It would protect against evil spirits and witchcraft, hence it is also known “The root of the Holy Ghost.” In Germany, angelica was believed to eliminate the effects of intoxication and also to render witchcraft and the evil eye harmless.