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Angelica  

Angelica archangelica
Umbelliferae
Other Names: angelica root, angelique, dong quai, engelwurzel, garden angelica, root of the Holy Ghost and wild angelica. masterwort.  archangel,



Names : European angelica.
Collection : The root is collected in the autumn of its first year. If it is very thick it can be cut longitudinally to speed its drying. The leaves should be collected in June.
Part Used : Roots and leaves are used medicinally, the stems and seeds are used in confectionery.
A perennial plant in the parsley family, angelica is a Chinese herb whose roots, rhizomes (underground stems), fruits, and leaves are used medicinally.

Culinary Uses: This robust and sweet-tasting plant is best known for its use in decoration of cakes and puddings. The stem is candied and used as a confection. Angelica lessens the need for sweetener when making pies or sauces.

Common dose of Angelica
Angelica is available as fluid extract, tincture, essential oil, or cut, dried, or powdered root. Experts disagree on what dose to take.
Used - Anemia, Asthma, Backache, Eczema, Hay fever, Headache, Osteoporosis, Poor arm and leg circulation


Actions :
Astringent, tonic, diuretic, vulnerary, cholagogue, anti-inflammatory.
Indications : This herb is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or influenza. The leaf can be used as a compress in inflammations of the chest. It content of carminative essential oil explains its use easing intestinal colic and flatulence. As a digestive agent it stimulates appetite and may be used in anorexia nervosa. It has been shown to help ease rheumatic inflammations. In cystitis it acts as a urinary antiseptic. Angelica is used frequently as a flavoring; in liqueurs such as chartreuse and benedictine, in gin and vermouth; the leaves as a garnish or in salads; and the candied stalks in cakes and pudding.

Combinations : For bronchial problems it combines well with Coltsfoot and White Horehound; for indigestion, flatulence and loss of appetite with Chamomile. In Musculo-skeletal problems it may be used with herbs such as Black Cohosh, Willow Bark and Bogbean.


Preparations & Dosage :
Decoction: put a teaspoonful of the cut root in a cup of water, bring it to the boil and simmer for two minutes. Take it off the heat and let it stand for l5 minutes. Take one cup three times a day. Tincture: Take 2-5 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Warnings

Side effects of Angelica
dizziness or a faint feeling (from low blood pressure).
unusual skin sensitivity to sunlight.
Interactions
Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use angelica while taking Coumadin (a blood thinner).

Important points to remember
Don't use angelica if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
Use this herb cautiously if you have diabetes.
Call your health care practitioner if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising after using angelica - especially if you're taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin.
Be aware that using angelica may pose a cancer risk.
If you experience an allergic reaction after taking this herb, seek medical help promptly.
Avoid direct sun exposure while using angelica.
What the research shows
In a study of young women with menstrual problems and vaginal discharge, angelica root extract (combined with several other Chinese herbs) helped regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the amount of discharge. However, the herb hasn't been 'Studied adequately in people. Although it's widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, Western medical experts don't recommend it for specific medicinal uses.

Some authorities believe angelica may cause cancer. Such concerns led the International Fragrance Commission to recommend a limit of 0.78% angelica root in commercial preparations of suntan lotions.

More about Herbal Angelica

 

Root: Angelica can also be cooked and eaten as a fresh herb, used for seasoning fish, or made into syrup for pudding and ice cream toppings. Rhubarb, angelica and honey combine to make a tasty sauce.

The stems (from the fresh plant) may be cut and prepared like asparagus.

The leaves, fresh or dried, may be added to soups and stews. Use about a half tablespoon of the leaves to a quantity that will serve four, adding it in the last minutes of cooking. The leaves are also made into a popular tea, tasting much like China tea.

Other uses: Herbalists use it to aid in the elimination of toxins, the recovery from rheumatism and colds, urinary complaints, and colic. Also used as a stimulating diaphoretic and expectorant for colds, coughts, and pleurisy. It is also good added to remedies for rheumatism and kidney disorders.

An infusion of 1 ounce dried chopped root in 1 pint boiling water for 1/2 hour in a covered container. Drink 2 tablespoons of the liquid, flavoured with honey if you wish, 3 or 4 times daily to relieve flatulence.

Another infusion: Infuse 1 teaspoon seed in 1 cup boiling water; cover. Allow to stand until cool; strain and drink 1 to 2 cups cold a day, again flavoured with honey if desired.

(It should be noted that angelica has a tendency to increase the sugar in the urine, so those with a tendency to diabetes should avoid it.)

Tuck a couple fingers full of ground angelica between lip and gum or in the cheek, like snuff. Swallow the juice. It is reputed to be an excellent stomach tonic and remedy for the nervousness that comes from too much smoking.

 

 angelica herbal plant image

           Herb Index A to Z

 A  B  C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

Beth Root - AKA: BIRTHROOT, COUGHROOT, GROUND LILY, INDIAN BALM, INDIAN SHAMROCK, PLANT, PURPLE TRILLIUM, SNAKEBITE, SQUAW ROOT, TRILLIUM PENDULUM, WAKE-ROBIN

Chaste Tree - AKA: Vitex, Monk's Pepper and Wild Pepper

 

Comfrey - AKA: Knitbone, common comfrey, symphytum, blackwort, healing herb and bruisewort
 

Condurango - AKA: Eagle vine

Elder -AKA: American Elder , Sweet Elder and Common Elder 

 

Golden Rod -  AKA: Virgaurea, Herba Solidaginus

 Gravel Root - AKA: Gravelweed, Joe-Pye Weed, Queen of the Meadow, purple boneset, trumpet weed, kidney root

 

Ground Ivy - AKA: Alehoof, Cat’s foot, Creeping Charlie, Gill-over-the-ground, Gillrun, Hay maids, hedge maids

 

Guaiacum - AKA: Guaiac, Lignum vitae, pockwood

Gotu kola

 

H       A  B  C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

Hawthorn - AKA: Haw, May Blossom, Maybush, May Tree, Quick-set, Shan-cha

 

Horehound - AKA: Marrubium, Hoarhound, White Horehound

 

Mustard - AKA White Mustard, Yellow Mustard, Black Mustard, Kedlock

Myrrh  -   AKA: Balsamodendron

Senega - AKA: Milkwort, Rattlesnake Root, Seneca Snakeroot, Snake Root