Re: angelica seed Tincturing

[Guest guest]

Infinitely more attractive than Asafoetida (at least

to my nose!) is the unique fruity-musky aroma of

angelica seed ( archangelica). This is

another plant that I grow in my herb garden and it

seeds prolifically. I use the seeds for medicinal and

culinary purposes, and as an incense material. The

aroma of the seed, especially the fresh seed collected

as soon as it's ripe in late summer, is much brighter

than the relatively dull quality of the essential oil.

It's altogether fruitier with an intriguing musky

undertone akin to that of ambrette seed. I'm certain

the seeds could be tinctured for use in perfumery.

The root as well could be tinctured for a much more

earthy aroma.

It's a pity that here in the UK we are unable to

obtain decent alcohol, since vodka has its limitations

- especially for perfumery uses. And it's even more

expensive than the grain alcohol I've seen available

in the USA.

Chrissie

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[Guest guest]

I live in the Southwestern US and have NEVER been able to get

Archangelica angelica to grow here, much as I have tried. Deep dark

holes with rose soil--everytime, no success. I miss it, I think this

is one of the good ones...

I am also having problems with good alcohol, I can't get grape

alcohol shipped here, and the best I can get is Everclear. Pretty

good, but I can still smell it and it ruins my compositions quite

readily....

[Guest guest]

,

loves deep, moist, rich soil and partial

shade. It will even grow very close to streams. So no

wonder it doesn't thrive in warmer, drier climes. We

gardeners have to know when to give in! I'm sure there

are many other wonderful aromatics that will grow in

your region which won't grow here in Wales with its

high rainfall.

For tincturing, you might be able to buy the dried

seed from a herbal supplier. I've seen it available

from a few outlets in the UK, so possibly it's

available in the US too. If you do find a supplier,

do ensure that the seed is less than a year old

(ideally no older than a few months) as it quickly

loses its fruity top notes, along with its ability to

germinate.

Chrissie

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[Guest guest]

Ruby, I'm glad I'm not the only with an alcohol

problem!?!

From what you say, I'm wondering if you have gathered

sylvestris, rather than A. archangelica? The

former is almost always found growing in ditches or in

the margins of streams in deep shade, whereas A.

archangelica or garden angelica is rare in the wild

nowadays (at least here in Britain). The leaves of A.

sylvestris are smaller, darker green and more

serrated; while the aroma of the seed is relatively

harsh and bitter and lacks the ethereal, fruity

nuances of A. archangelica.

Chrissie

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[Guest guest]

Re: angelica seed Tincturing

Ruby, I'm glad I'm not the only with an alcohol

problem!?!

From what you say, I'm wondering if you have gathered

sylvestris, rather than A. archangelica? The

former is almost always found growing in ditches or in

the margins of streams in deep shade, whereas A.

archangelica or garden angelica is rare in the wild

nowadays (at least here in Britain). The leaves of A.

sylvestris are smaller, darker green and more

serrated; while the aroma of the seed is relatively

harsh and bitter and lacks the ethereal, fruity

nuances of A. archangelica.

Chrissie

Hi All,

A. archangelica is one of my favorite plants to grow . . . and in western

WA, we have plenty of moisture and shade for its survival. I usually have

5-6 of these huge beauties in a cluster. We usally cut the stem of a

couple of the mature ones low enough that the grandchildren can sniff the

fragrance right from the 'pipe' . . . they love to take their friends into

the garden to show them this wonder.

As soon as Christmas is over, I only live for Spring and Nature's renewal!

Be well,

Marcia Elston http://www.wingedseed.com

" First of all, cultivate a contented spirit. A garden is a good place to

begin. "