Angelica Herb Uses and Medicinal Properties
Angelica is used extensively in herbal medicine. The main constituents of Angelica are volatile oils, valeric acid, angelic acid, angelicin, safrole, scopoletin, and linoleic acid, making it useful in the treatment of fevers, colds, coughs, flatulent colic and other stomach disorders. A medicinal infusion made from stems, seeds, and root is carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, stomachic and tonic. Angelica is used for obstructed menses and should not be taken in large quantities by pregnant women.
Angelica is a very good tonic herb for women and children, the elderly or general debility, it is said to strengthen the heart. Powdered root is said to cause disgust for liquor. It has an antibacterial action, preventing the growth of various bacteria.
Angelica root contains vitamin B12, Zinc, Thiamin, Sucrose, Riboflavin, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Fructose, Glucose, and many other trace minerals. Externally it is used as a medicinal gargle for sore throats and mouths and as a medicinal poultice for broken bones, swellings, itching and rheumatism. An infusion of Angelica root, used as a wash for the face, is said to prevent acme. A powder made from the dried root is used for athlete’s foot, as well as an insecticide and pesticide.
Caution
NOTE : The fresh root of Angelica is not edible, said to be poisonous. Do not use while pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor.
Habitat and Description
Angelica is a tall, stout very ornamental and aromatic plant with large white flowers, growing to a height of 4 to 6 feet or more. It is a biennial or short lived perennial herb native to Eastern N. America from Newfoundland to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Delaware, Illinois, Iowa and Tennessee. It is found in rich thickets, bottomlands, moist cool woodlands, stream banks and shady roadsides. It has a smooth, dark purple, hollow stem 1 to 2 inches round. The leaves are dark green, divided into three parts, each of which is again divided into three serrated leaflets, sometimes lobed. The lower leaves are larger sometimes 2 feet wide. Angelica leaves have flattened, inward curved, stalks with clasping bases or sheathing to form an elongated bowl which holds water. The root is branched, from 3 to 6 inches long, thick and fleshy with several small rootlets. Flowers are small and numerous, yellowish or greenish-white and grouped into large, compound umbels. The flowers bloom in July and are succeeded by pale yellow, oblong fruits, 1/6 to a 1/4 inch in length when ripe produced in somewhat rounds heads, which sometimes are 8 to 10 inches in diameter.
Chinese Angelica Root Information
Chinese Angelica, also called Dong Quai or Angelica Root, is used mainly to treat menstrual cramps, regulate menstrual periods, and lessen menopausal symptoms. Although it has been used for centuries in oriental medicine to treat a variety of disorders, there isn’t sufficient clinical evidence to substantiate its use for many of these conditions.
Chinese Angelica Root / Dong Quai
Dong quai (angelica root) contains subtances that, in clinical tests, have exhibited activities that may reduce pain, dilate blood vessels, and stimulate the relaxation of uterine muscles. The main use of Chinese Angelic Root (also called Dong Quai) as a medicinal herb is for treating female reproductive disorders, specifically for relieving mentrual cramps, regulating cycles and lessening the symptoms of menopause. However, there is no conclusive proof that angelica is effective in treating these conditions.
In oriental medicine, chinese angelica root is frequently combined with other herbal products and used to treat conditions including allergies, arthritis, asthma, or high blood pressure. Some studies have shown it has some ability to increase immune system function slightly, so it may in deed aid in relieving the symptoms associated with allergies. It has also been shown to exhibit mild anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful for arthritis, asthma, and other inflammatory conditions. One of the chemical substance present in angelic root has shown to promote relaxation of blood vessels, which may help to lower high blood pressure.
Constituents and Ingredients
Chinese angelica contains:
- Volatile Oil
- Bitter iridoids
- Resin
- Coumarins
- Valerianic acid
- Tannins
- Bergapten
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
Dosage Recommendations
As a powder angelica root can be taken in capsules, tablets, tinctures, or as a tea. Many women take 3-4 grams per day.
Side Effects
Chinese angelic root is generally considered to be of extremely low toxicity. Individuals taking it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. Angelica root is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.