Angelica:

Angelica – An Angel of an Herb, amenorrhea, anemia, anorexia, arthritis, asthma, bloating, bronchitis, colds, colic, coughs, depression, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, fever, flatulence, flu, gout, indigestion, irregular menses, migraine, placenta retention, poor appetite, poor circulation, typhus

Warning:

Fresh Angelica roots are poisonous.  Drying eliminates the hazard. 

Unless you are a confident field botanist DONOT collect angelica roots.  It is easy to confuse with water hemlock (Cicuta maculate).  Angelica should not be given to children under age 2.  For older children and people over 65, start with lo-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

—Botanical name— Angelica archangelica; syn. Archangelica officinalis Hoffm., Archangelica officinalis var. himalaica C.B.Clarke)  Wikipedia.org

—Chinese Botanical name— dang-qui

This is a clear statement from the book:

“The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature's Medicines” by – Michael Castleman; Medical Reviewer:  Sheldon Saul Hendler, M.D., Ph.D.; Biochemist, Researcher, and Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California San Diego; Copyright 1990; ISBN: 0-87857-934-6; Page 45 – 48

Angelica reportedly gives relief from colds, flu, and bronchitis.  It is sometimes used as a digestive aid or for arthritis relief.  There are a variety of ways to prepare this herb, depending on your personal preference. #

—Part Used— Roots, leaf, stem, seed

—Cultivation— Angelica, a biennial, is native to North America and thrives in meadows, swampy areas, and marshy woods from Canada to the Carolinas.  It grows from five to eight and a half feet in height.  Its thick, hollow stalk is purplish near its base.  The large, pale green leaves are compound and triply divided.  The small flowers range in color from white to yellow to green and grow in spherical umbels.

To cultivate angelica, sow its seeds as soon as they are mature, or store them in the freezer until planting time.  Angelica prefers a rich, loamy soil, but it can tolerate clay or sand if the soil is amended with plenty of organic matter.  Keep in mind that black flies and fruit flies are attracted to angelica and will congregate around it, so avoid planting it under your window or by the front door.

Wild angelica looks similar to water hemlock and poison hemlock, which are toxic.  When collecting angelica from the wild, take care not to confuse it with these two plants.

—Physiological Character—  Alterative, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, aromatic, bitter, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, nervine, stimulant, stomachic, tonic, uterine stimulant #

 —Description—

         Family:  Umbelliferae.  Other members include carrot and parsley

         Also known as Wild  celery, masterwort;  in China, dang-gui, dang-qui

—Constituents—

         Psoralens

         Alpha-angelica lactone

Vitamin C, flavanoids, volatile oil (beta-phellandrene, pinene, limonene, caryophyllene, linalool), coumarins, valerianic acid, angelic acid, caffeic acid, citric acid, fatty acids, resins, pectin, sterols, tannins

—Medicinal Action and Uses— #

         RESPIRATORY AILMENTS:  German researchers have discovered that angelica relaxes the windpipe, suggesting that it may have some value in treating colds, flu, bronchitis, and asthma.

         DIGESTIVE AID:  German investigators also found that angelica also relaxes the intestines, lending some credence to its traditional use in treating digestive complaints.

         ARTHRITIS:  Japanese researchers have reported that the herb has anti-inflammatory effects, which may mean that there is a possibility that the Asian use as an arthritis treatment may have something to it besides just being a myth.

—INTRIGUING POSSIBILITIES—  Preliminary research reports from China suggest angelica increases red blood cell count.  It may one day, prove an effective treatment for anemia.  Chinese researchers also report angelica increases the ability of blood to clot.   This is good news for people with clotting impairments, but bad news for anyone at risk for heart disease.  People with at risk for heart disease should avoid angelica.  Increased blood clotting can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart and in some cases might trigger a heart attack.

Preliminary research from the Chinese also indicates angelica improves liver function in people suffering from cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis.  No recommendations can be made at this time about using angelica for liver problems.

Angelica improves digestive metabolism, strengthens the lungs and heart, and improves liver, gallbladder, and spleen function.  Small amounts stimulate digestive secretions. Regular use of angelica is said to promote a distaste for alcohol, and it may be beneficial in the treatment of alcoholism. It is traditionally used to improve mental harmony and well-being.

As a bath herb, angelica can relieve muscle soreness and promote relaxation.  An angelica sponge bath, using upward strokes, has been used to treat victims of electric shock.

—Flavor— As a tea, angelica's flavor is reminiscent of that of juniper berries, celery, maple, and licorice.  It is sweet, pungent, and slightly bitter, with a warm, drying energy.  Adding a slice of lemon or some pieces of apple to angelica tea can improve its flavor.

—Nutrient Source—

—Side Effects or Negative Effects—

·         Angelica contains chemicals known as psoralens.  When exposed to sunlight, people who have ingested psorlens often develop a rash (photosensitivity).

·         Psoralens may also promote tumor growth, leading the authors of a report in the journal Science to advise against taking angelica internally.

·         However, a recent animal study showed another angelica constituent (alpha-angelica lactone) has an anti-cancer effect.

—Contraindications— If you're using the root, it must be dried; do not use the fresh root.  Diabetics should use angelica with caution, as the plant can increase blood sugar levels. 

—Deterrent— Large doses can affect blood pressure and respiration and can stimulate the nervous system. Avoid in cases of excessive heat, such as fever or inflammation.  Avoid during pregnancy and in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding.  In addition, there is a slight possibility that angelica can increase photosensitivity in some people.

—References—

1.         Ioannou, Y. M. et al. 1982.  Cancer Research 42:119

2.        Ivie, G. W. et al. 1981 Science 213.909.

3.        Opdyke, D. L. J. 1975.  Food and Cosmetic Toxicology 13 (Suppl.):713

—References—  “The Healing Herbs – The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of  Nature's Medicine” by – Michael Castleman

—References— “Nutritional Herbology” A Reference Guide to Herbs By – Mark Pedersen ISBN: 1-885653-07-7 Copyright 2008

—References— “Healing Herbal Teas” A Complete Guide to Making Delicious, Healthful Beverages.  By – Brigitte Mars, A.H.G. ISBN – 13: 978-59120-110-6 and ISBN – 10: 1-59120-110-1 Copyright 2006

—References—  “Herbal Medicine” The Natural Way to Get Well and Stay Well; By Dian Dincin Buchman, Ph.D. ISBN – 0-517-147647-x; Copyright 1996

—References— 

Recipe: For an infusion, use 1 teaspoon of powdered seeds or leaves per cup of boiling water.  Steep 10 to 20 minutes.

Recipe: For a decoction, use 1 teaspoon of powdered roots per cup of water.  Bring to a boil and simmer 2 minutes.  Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes.  Drink up to 2 cups a day.  Angelica decoctions taste bitter.

Recipe: In a tincture, use ½ to 1 teaspoon up to twice a day. (When using commercial extracts, follow package directions.

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