Angelica Benefits, Usage, Medicinal Properties, Nutrition, Dosage, Preparations, safety, science backed and traditional view

Angelica (Angelica archangelica - L.) Also known as Norwegian angelica, Angelica Root, Choraka, Holy Ghost, Angel’s Food, Aunt Jericho, St Michael’s Flower, Archangel, Garden Angelica, Wild Celery, Arcydziegiel litwor.

 

The roots of the Common Angelica are long and spindle-shaped, thick and fleshy - large specimens weighing sometimes as much as three pounds - and are beset with many long, descending rootlets. The stems are stout fluted, 4 to 6 feet high and hollow. The foliage is bold and pleasing, the leaves are on long stout, hollow footstalks, often 3 feet in length, reddish purple at the much dilated, clasping bases; the blades, of a bright green colour, are much cut into, being composed of numerous small leaflets, divided into three principal groups, each of which is again subdivided into three lesser groups. The edges of the leaflets are finely toothed or serrated. The flowers, small and numerous, yellowish or greenish in colour, are grouped into large, globular umbels. They blossom in July and are succeeded by pale yellow, oblong fruits, 1/6 to a 1/4 inch in length when ripe, with membranous edges, flattened on one side and convex on the other, which bears three prominent ribs. Both the odour and taste of the fruits are pleasantly aromatic. Some say this species is a native of Syria and spread to Europe. It is known to be native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, reaching as far north as Iceland and Lapland. It likes deep, moist loam and being in the shade. It loves to grow near running water. Our native form, A. sylvestris (Linn.), is hairy in stalk and stem to a degree which makes a well-marked difference. Its flowers differ, also, in being white, tinged with purple. The stem is purple and furrowed. This species is said to yield a good, yellow dye.

Angelica is unique amongst the Umbelliferae for its pervading aromatic odour, a pleasant perfume, entirely differing from Fennel, Parsley, Anise, Caraway or Chervil. One old writer compares it to Musk, others liken it to Juniper. Even the roots are fragrant, and form one of the principal aromatics of European growth- the other parts of the plant have the same flavour, but their active principles are considered more perishable.

In several London squares and parks, Angelica has continued to grow, self-sown, for several generations as a garden escape; in some cases it is appreciated as a useful foliage plant, in others, it is treated rather as an intruding weed. Before the building of the London Law Courts and the clearing of much slum property between Holywell Street and Seven Dials, the foreign population of that district fully appreciated its value, and were always anxious to get it from Lincoln's Inn Fields, where it abounded and where it still grows. Until very recent years, it was exceedingly common on the slopes bordering the Tower of London on the north and west sides; there, also, the inhabitants held the plant in high repute, both for its culinary and medicinal use.

 

 

Part Used: Root, Seed, Leaf

 

Constituents: Valerianic/Angelic/berstein/Malic/Acetic/Oxalic/Citric/Aconitic acids,  Bitter, Resin (Angelicin), Essential oils (incl. a-pinene, bisabolene, limonene, myrcene, p-cymene and other Terpenes), Coumarin compounds (incl. bergapten, angelicin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin, ostruhol, bykangelicin angelate), Butylidene phthalide, Ligustilide, Vitamin B12, Vitamin E, Nicotinic acid, Carotene and various fatty acids, tannins and starch.

 

Flavour/Temps: Sweet, Pungent, Aromatic, Bitter, Dry, Warm

Relaxing, Dissolving, Stimulating, Restoring, Dispersing, Deconegsting

 

Tropism: Intestines, Lungs, Head, Uterus, Stomach, Urinary organs

 

Meridians: Spleen, Lungs, Large intestine, Ren and chong meridians

Fluid, Air, Warmth bodies

 

Key actions in western medicine: Relaxant, Aromatic, Bitter, Nervine, Stimulant, Tonic, Expectorant, Emmenagogue, Digestive, Antiseptic, Analgesic, Carminative, Stimulant, Diaphoretic, Stomachic, Diuretic,

 

Indications in western medicine: Used to treat lung and chest diseases, delayed labour and help expel the placenta following childbirth. Used externally for treating joint pain, nerve pain, and skin disorders. Treats heartburn, intestinal gas, loss of appetite, arthritis, circulation, olds, pleurisy, coughs, fevers, intestinal gas, loss of appetite, increases urination and improves sex drive, anxiety, insomnia, spasmodic dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, chronic gastritis and ulcer, Chronic colitis and enteritis, anorexia, debility or exhaustion from mental or psychical stress in convalescence, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic bronchial asthma, spasmodic asthma, thyroid hyperfunctioning, menopausal syndrome, anuria, dysuria, incontinence, clear leukorrhea, poisoning (alcohol, toxic herbs, food), Epidemic preventative, estrogen deficiency (disorders in general), rhinitis, sinusitis, retained placenta, PMS with irritability, dry skin, joint pains, weepiness. Wounds, cuts, ulcers.

 

Key actions in eastern medicine: Improves appetite and relieve Fatigue; Warms Stomach-Intestines, Promotes digestion, resolve damp-mucus and relieves bloating; Stimulates Immunity, antidote poisons and reduces Infections; Warm the Lungs, resolves Phlegm, Promotes expectoration and relieves coughing; Opens Sinuses and Decongest Lymph, Regulates Qi, Opens the Chest and relieve wheezing; Promotes Menstruation and Labour, expels the Afterbirth; Tonifies Urogenital Qi, relieves Irritation, Harmonizes Urination and stop Discharges; Increase estrogen; Reduces Contusions.

 

Indication in eastern medicine: Intestines (spleen) damp-mucus: flatulence, indigestion, abdominal bloating and pain, mucousy stool, head and body heaviness;  Lung phlegm-cold: chest pain, full cough, Uterus cold: scanty and delayed periods, cramps with onset on flow; Stomach cold: dull persistent epigastric pain better with massage or eating, nausea; Genitourinary damp: delayed and scanty periods, difficult urination, clear vaginal discharge; Stomach -intestines cold (Spleen Yang deficiency): abdominal coli, chronic diarrhoea, appetite loss; Lung wind-cold: pains and aches, chills, relentlessness, coughing, dislike of cold, headache; Qi constraint: tension, unrest, stress, migraine, fainting, dizziness; Wind-damp-cold obstruction:  acute rheumatic pains moving or stationary, neuralgia, myalgia; Head cold-damp: headache, congested sinuses and nose, toothache, nasal discharge.

 

Ground: Phlegmatic Temperaments/Krases

Lymphatic/Carbonic/Blue Iris constitutions

Dependent/Tai Yin Earth biotypes

 

Preparations: Infusion, Decoction, Powder, Essential oil, Infused oil, Tincture

 

Dosage 3 times a day unless instructed otherwise by Herbalist:

Powder 0.5-2g

Infusion/Decoction 2-12g

Infused oil 1-2 drops in gelatine capsule topped with olive oil

Tincture 1:5, 50% ethanol - 0.5ml - 3 ml

Fluid extract 1:1, 25% ethanol – 0.5ml-2 ml

 

Note: As little as 1 or 2 ml of the tincture in a day being ample for most people to accrue the benefit from Angelica. This is not a herb to use in high doses unless only for a very short while. Also, Angelica is not best used in isolation but rather it blends, so its action very willingly with other herbs, augmenting their strength and providing its own.

 

Note: External use includes Washes, Inhalations, ointments, and also douches for menstrual complaints.

 

Note: cold water infusion and Tincture are most effective preparation (to make cold infusion leave crushed root overnight in cold water, bring to boil and strain, use warm as soon is drinkable)

 

Note: Angelica is one of the many herbs that really need to be taken by the right person to get the right response. It is not an herb that will suit someone who has an overheated system but give it to someone with a cool temperament or a person who normally runs hot and has now gone to the cold, and its benefits can be remarkable. This is because the 'warmth' of Angelica is extraordinarily penetrating; it seems to travel through the body to exactly where it needs to go. Angelica has none of the pinch of Cayenne, Ginger or even Prickly Ash and yet sometimes its effects seem to be able to travel even deeper than these famously heating herbs.

 

Synergy examples: Combine with Hawthorn for weakened circulation

 

 

Cautions: Medium-strength remedy with very mild chronic toxicity.

Considered a tonic herb and generally very safe, although in some people, it may cause skin irritations.

 

Contraindications: None know, however avoid use in all hot conditions as it will aggravate them.

Angelica is an extremely safe herb that may be taken by the young and old, in pregnancy and breastfeeding. You will find cautions in some of the online literature about its use in pregnancy etc. this comes about from its reputed action to stimulate a delayed menstruation which if often misconstrued to mean it will interfere with a healthy pregnancy - it won't.

Angelica may be cited as an agent that might promote photosensitivity (excessive sensitivity to UV sunlight) or even to potentially be carcinogenic! The levels you would need to consume of this herb to get a dangerous level of furocoumarins are so very much higher than we would ever use in practice that this is an unrealistic and unwarranted caution. If a person took a hundred tablets of aspirin, or almost any drug for that matter, they could expect an adverse reaction and it is the same with Angelica, taking a hundred times more than a therapeutic dose of it can do harm, but why would anyone ever take so much?

 

Interactions with drugs: none known

 

Side effects: None known

 

History and Folklore:

Maude Grieve writes “Parkinson, in his Paradise in Sole, 1629, puts Angelica in the forefront of all medicinal plants, and it holds almost as high a place among village herbalists today. Angelica's virtues are praised by old writers and the name itself testifies to the great antiquity of belief in its merits as a protection against contagion, for purifying the blood, and for curing every conceivable malady. According to one legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague. Another explanation of the name of this plant is that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8th), and is on that account a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft: all parts of the plant were believed efficacious against spells and enchantment. It was held in such esteem that it was called 'The Root of the Holy Ghost.' Angelica is unique amongst the Umbelliferae for its pervading aromatic odour, a pleasant perfume, entirely differing from Fennel, Parsley, Anise, Caraway or Chervil. One old writer compares it to Musk, others liken it to Juniper. Even the roots are fragrant, and form one of the principal aromatics of European growth- the other parts of the plant have the same flavour, but their active principles are considered more perishable. Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, rheumatism and diseases of the urinary organs. It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant the action of which is to a large extent diffused through the whole of the pulmonary (lung) region. It is also a useful agent for feverish conditions, acting as a diaphoretic. It is used much on the Continent for indigestion, general debility and chronic bronchitis”

Angelica roots are used medicinally and the stems can be used for flavouring candy and stews. The stems were also used to prevent and aid indigestion. The only herb considered stronger for aiding indigestion, is ginger. Angelica has a long history of protecting against contagion, purifying the blood, and curing every conceivable ailment. After the introduction into Christianity, the plant became associated with archangelic patronage and was associated with the spring-time festival of the Annunciation.

The resin angelicin is stimulating to the lungs and skin. Its fresh leaves are used in poultices for lung and chest diseases.

 

Angelica is a traditional birthing herb used to assist delayed labor and to help expel the placenta following childbirth.

 

Natives of Lapland use the fleshy roots as food and the stalks as medicine and the leaves can be added to cooked dishes, soups, and stew.

 

Angelica is said to protect against negative energies and is used in herbal baths to remove curses. It can be sprinkled around the house to purify the environment and protect against unwanted spirits.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), angelica is one of the most respected female tonic herbs. It is considered one of the best blood tonics available and is used by both men and women to help build and nourish the blood. Women especially use the herb to tonify the reproductive organs. It can be used before, during, and after pregnancy.

 

Research has proven it tonifies the entire female hormonal system. Consumed raw or with alcohol angelica can relax the uterus. Used with water it is said to tonify the uterus and can stimulate contractions. It has been used to help develop an undeveloped fetus. It is used the world over for treating symptoms associated with menopause.

 

The herb is used to improve blood circulation, beautify the skin, and hasten the healing of cuts, sores, and wounds. Angelica can help lower blood pressure and relax the cardiac muscle. It also helps lower blood sugar levels.

 

Angelica has a gentle calming effect that is useful for treating anxiety and calming the effects of stress.

 

The preparation of angelica is an important industry in the South of France where it is purchased by confectioners and used to make the liquors Vermouth and Chartreuse. It is also used to flavour gin, Dubonnet and Benedictine.

The German Commission E, health organization approved a tea of 20% angelica, 40% gentian (Gentiana lutea), and 40% caraway seed (Carum carvi) is a tea for children to treat upset stomachs.

 

Angelica is said to symbolize ecstasy, inspiration, and magic.

 

In China, the upper part of the plant is said to treat the head best, the middle part of the root is said to help preserve the internal organs and strengthen the body, and the tips of the roots, which are considered less tonifying, are said to be more blood moving.

 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, frying the herb in vinegar or wine strengthens the Blood-Invigorating properties. Toasting the herb to ash enhances its ability to Warm the Channels (Meridians) and Stop Bleeding.

In one legend, angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague, giving the plant its name, “Angelica.” Another source for its name is thought to be that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8th) and therefore is a ward against evil spirits and witchcraft. All parts of the plant are believed to protect against harm, spells, and enchantments.

Angelica was used in the Middle Ages as a natural restorative and health tonic.

Old writers compare the scent of angelica to musk or juniper, even the roots are fragrant. Even deer and fish were said to be attracted to the plant’s scent, so it was used as bait.

 

Angelica root is selectively both parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous inhibitor, as required. It will also stabilize and balance autonomic nervous system as whole- and perfect choice for syndromes of menopause, autonomic dysregulation and thyroid hyperfunctioning- another aspect of comprehensive regulating action on nervous system and Qi.

The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (BHP) describes the actions of Angelica as 'spasmolytic, diaphoretic, expectorant, bitter aromatic, carminative, diuretic and says it is indicated for 'respiratory catarrh, psychogenic asthma, dyspepsia, anorexia nervosa, rheumatic diseases, peripheral vascular disease' and specifically indicated for 'bronchitis associated with vascular deficiency' The BHP recommends doses of 1-2 grams or by infusion (a full tsp is about 2.5 grams) and the extract at a dose of 0.5-2ml.

In literature we find that actions of Angelica include - smooth muscle relaxant, carminative, diuretic, antifungal, antibacterial, diaphoretic, expectorant, gentle digestive tonic. Used for “cold conditions where increase in body heat is required. To create distaste for alcohol. Friend of the aged as a circulatory stimulant and to sustain heart, stomach and bowel. Loss of appetite, chronic dyspepsia & aerophagy” (excess swallowing of air).

The oil of Angelica, which will be present in a tea or tincture so long as its characteristic smell is still obvious, has been shown to have significant antibacterial and antifungal actions.

Angelica combines perfectly with Hawthorn for weakened circulation, with Ginseng for fatigue or depletion, with Fennel for poor digestion and with Licorice to help nourish and heal a weakened system in general.

Angelica root is a warming digestive bitter that can be used as a tincture before meals to stimulate the production of digestive acids and therefore more efficient digestion. The difference between using Angelica and Dandelion root before a meal to stimulate digestive juices is that Dandelion is cooling and beneficial to the liver and lymph while Angelica is warming and antibacterial in the digestive tract.

 

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