ANGELICA

ANGELICA
(Angelica archangelica)

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Angelica is used extensively in herbal medicine.  Angelica is a very good tonic herb for women and children, the elderly or general debility. Angelica root contains vitamin B12, Zinc, Thiamine, Sucrose, Riboflavin, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Fructose, Glucose, and many other trace minerals.

USES:

Angelica is a surprisingly rich herb with wide-ranging effects, including:

  • It is a tonic herb and is said to strengthen the heart.
  • Powdered Angelica root is said to cause disgust for liquor, so it is recommended for those trying to eliminate alcohol from their lifestyle.
  • It has an antibacterial action, preventing the growth of various bacteria.
  • Angelica is used for obstructed menses and should not be taken in large quantities by pregnant women.
  • Angelica infusion is used externally medicinal gargle for sore throats and mouths.
  • It is used in medicinal poultice for broken bones, swellings, itching and rheumatism.
  • When used as a wash for the face, is said to prevent (and eliminate) acne.
  • A powder made from the dried root is used for athlete’s foot, as well as an insecticide and pesticide.
  • A medicinal infusion made from Angelica stems, seeds, and root has carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, stomachic and tonic effects.
  • 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.
  • Preparation of Angelica seed are used internally for conditions of the kidneys and efferent urinary tract, the intestinal tract and the respiratory tract.

HOW TO USE IT

  1. Salad
    The young shoots of the plant are edible in salad or boiled as a pot herb. It has a sweet taste similar to celery. Angelica stems can be preserved with sugar for a sweet edible treat.
  1. Medicinal Herbal Tea
    Take 1 tsp. dried Angelica root and add to 1 cup of boiling water. Steep 15 to 20 min. Take throughout the day and at bedtime.
  1. Extract / Oil / Tincture
    As advised by the health care practitioner
  1. Essential Oil
    10 to 20 drops of essential oil mixed with a carrier oil, used as advised by the health care practitioner.

ANGELICA ESSENTIAL OIL BENEFITS

  • The relaxing effect of Angelica Oil is beneficial in driving out gas from the intestines. This relaxes the intestinal and abdominal muscles and lets the gases pass through a downward motion, instead of letting them build up and push upwards on the torso. This gives relief from troubles related to excess gas, such as indigestion, stomach aches, headaches, cramps, flatulence, nausea, and high blood pressure.
  • It has blood purifying characteristics. It is considered a diuretic (promotes urination) and a diaphoretic (promotes sweating) and thus it speeds up the removal of toxins like uric acid and others, including excess salt, water, fat, and bile from the body through urination and sweat. Therefore, it provides relief from ailments such as rheumatism, arthritis, gout, and renal calculi. It also helps lower blood pressure and reduces fat thereby protecting your cardiovascular health.
  • Angelica Essential Oil also promotes digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive juices like acid and bile. It also promotes the proper movement of food through the intestines and absorption of the digested food.
  • This oil also triggers the opening of obstructed menstruation and makes it more regular. As a bonus, one gets relief from the other symptoms associated with periods as well, such as headaches, abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
  • It clears out the accumulation of phlegm in the respiratory tracts and also fights the infections that cause colds, thereby providing relief from cough, cold, sinusitis, and congestion in the lungs.
  • This oil has a relaxing effect on the body, the mind, and the nervous system. The oil specially helps in treatment of shock, depression, anxiety, anger, and hypertension

CONTRAINDICATIONS

  • The fresh root of Angelica is not edible; it is said to be poisonous.
  • No health hazards or side effects are known with the proper administration of designated dosage of fruit and herb.
  • Not to be used while pregnant or breastfeeding without consultation of the doctor.
  • Diabetics should avoid using Angelica Essential Oil.
  • Essential Oil can cause skin irritation and photo-toxicity in higher concentrations.
  • Higher doses of the herb in any form can cause excessive stimulation or hyperactivity of the nervous system.

CAUTION

The substance* contained in angelica root sensitize the skin to light and can lead to inflammation of the skin in combination with UV rays. It is therefore advisable to avoid sunbathing and intensive UV radiation for the duration of treatment with Angelica or its preparations.

SCIENTIFIC DETAILS

Family Name: Apiaceae
Common Name(s): Alexanders, American Dong Qui, Archangel, Purple-stem Angelica, American Angelica, High Angelica, Wild Archangel, Wild Angelica, Masterwort
Part(s) Used: Flower, fruit, leaves, stem, root, seed
Habitat: Eastern N. America from Newfoundland to Ontario and Minnesota, south to Delaware, Illinois, Iowa and Tennessee.
Properties: Anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, tonic

Tags: depression, women, cardiovascular, Anthelmintic, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, tonic