Leaving Angelica aside for a moment. There is a story I would like to tell you.
When I owned a herb nursery an old man came to talk to me. He was holding a plant which he called "Candelabra". I had never seen it before. He told me the story of this plant, how it had cured his incurable arthritic pain and gave me a little leaflet that he had written about "Candelabra".
He was on a one-man mission to give plants away and to tell others about the plant. He begged me to try it, propagate it and tell others about it.
I did grow it. It turned out to be "Candelabra Aloe
(Aloe arborescens)"
Whenever I encountered a customer with painful arthritis in the hand joints I would break a bit of Candelabra off and invite them to try it, to see if it eased their pain. It contains a lot of watery sap.
Invariably within five minutes the customer would comeback saying their pain had gone and could they please have a plant. (Yes I know all about the placebo effect!)
I don't think there is anything in any herb book about this.
Nor is there anything on the web. I never saw the Old man again.
So I would like to put it here in memory of the Unknown Old Man.
His printed handout goes like this:-
"
CANDELABRA
(Arborescens)
The sap from the leaves of this plant has proved very effective in stopping the pains of Sciatica, Lumbago, Gout, Rheumatics, Tendinitis, Arthritis, RSI, Sinus and Migraine Headaches, Hangovers, Burns, Sunburns, Spurs, Bunions, Asthma, MS, Perforated Veins, Trigger Finger, Strokes, Stings, Neuralgia, Planters Wart, all types of Industrial and Sporting Injuries, Tired and Aching Muscles of Feet,Legs, Back, Arms and Neck, Chilblains, Bronchitis, Shingles - in fact, its been used on all pains.
DIRECTIONS
Split leaf and put juice on affected spot until pain ceases. The pain should stop almost immediately. For chronic pain put a leaf in
Juice Extractor, this makes a stronger mix. Keep in refrigerator and shake well before using. It can be used on Poultice. Pain and stiffness should be gone the next day. At night a light smear of Soluble Cream or Ointment keeps Lineament in and allows sleep.
Directions for sceptics -SUFFER
Most medicines come from plants so there is no reason why one cannot be grown locally. The plant is found in gardens of suburban homes in temperate climates and most people are glad to give you a slip as it grows easily. It can and WILL finally be used by orthodox medicine.
As with recognised medicines some people may suffer a slight reaction (three in five years).
Someone you know is suffering unnecessary pain. Help them by photocopying this and posting it to them."
So there it is. I have used his capitalisation and emphasis. In the original pamphlet there was a grey scale picture of the Aloe. I'm sure you can find a photo on the net. The aloe can become huge. My new neighbour- bar one- has one huge clump seven foot high and 14 foot wide!! He obviously doesn't have any aches and pains.
I hope you, or someone you know, can make use of the Old Man's information.
Michael
