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Common Name
Angelica
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Botanical Name
Angelica archangelica
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Part Used
Root
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Clinical Summary
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Monograph
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Alcohol
45%
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Dose
10 to 40mL weekly
During the 17th century angelica became a popular treatment for colds and other respiratory ailments and is still useful for coughs, bronchitis and chest pain, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or influenza. As a digestive agent it stimulates the appetite and may be used in anorexia nervosa and flatulent dyspepsia. It can also be used for other nervous disorders such as anxiety. It has been shown to help ease rheumatic inflammation and peripheral vascular disease.Not to be confused with Chinese angelica, or dong quai (Angelica polymorpha), a herb long considered for gynaecological complaints.
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Traditional Use
During the 17th century angelica became a popular treatment for colds and other respiratory ailments and is still useful for coughs, bronchitis and chest pain, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or influenza.
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Actions
Anticatarrhal, antispasmodic (respiratory tract), stimulating expectorant, diaphoretic, digestive tonic, carminative, anxiolytic, circulatory stimulant, vasodilator, urinary antiseptic
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Indications
• Cough, bronchitis especially when accompanied by fever, cold or influenza.
• Digestive problems such as intestinal overactivity, flatulent dyspepsia, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, peptic ulcers, colic, poor nutritional uptake such as iron depletion, food allergies and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) accompanied by bloating.
• Painful cramping associated with menstruation and labour pains, and intestinal infection.
• Anxiety.
• Rheumatic inflammation.
• Poor circulation, mildly elevated blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease.
• Cystitis.
• Debility, convalescence, fatigue. -
Energetics
Bitter, sweet, pungent, hot, dry.
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Use in Pregnancy
Not recommended
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Contraindications & Cautions
Caution should be taken by those foraging angelica as misidentification can be fatal. Angelica is similar to the very poisonous water hemlock (Cicuta virosa) and poison hemlock (Conium maculatum).
Diabetics should exercise caution when consuming angelica as it can raise blood sugar levels (as measured by urine analysis).
Angelica contains furanocoumarins which are known to possess photosensitising properties. This photosensitivity can be transferred to humans if large amounts of angelica are consumed and the patient has prolonged exposure to bright sunlight, or in some cases on skin contact with the fresh sap of the plant. Therefore patients who take angelica orally, or apply it topically, should be advised of this potential side effect. -
Drug Interactions
Some authorities suggest that because of the coumarin constituents there is a theoretical potential for angelica to interfere with anticoagulant therapy (such as warfarin).
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Dietary Information
Vegan friendly. Gluten and dairy free
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Substitutes
Hyssop, Aniseed