Angelica archangelica
Part Used: Dried root
Angelica is a genus of plants in the Parsley family used in both Western healing and Traditional Chinese Medicines. Usually the dried root is used medicinally. The roots of the Angelica are long and spindle-shaped, thick and fleshy and are best with many long, descending rootlets. The stems are stout fluted, 4 to 6 feet high and hollow. This plant is commonly found in well watered mountain ravines, riverbanks and damp meadows. Its stem is round, grooved, hollow, branched near the top, tinged with blue. Angelica is a good remedy for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, rheumatism and diseases of the urinary organs, though it should not be given to patients who have a tendency towards diabetes, as it causes an increase of sugar in the urine. It is generally used as a stimulating expectorant, combined with other expectorants the action of which is facilitated, and to a large extent diffused, through the whole of the pulmonary region. It is a useful agent for feverish conditions, acting as a diaphoretic.
Angelica will induce sweating and is also used to treat conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. In addition, it is used as a diuretic. Externally, Angelica is applied as an ointment to treat lice and some skin disorders. The German Federal Health Agency's Commission E, established in 1978 to independently review and evaluate scientific literature and case studies pertaining to herb and plant medications, has approved preparations containing Angelica root as a treatment for bloating and as an appetite stimulant. Angelica is described as a herb with "an affinity for the female constitution". It is good for treating anemia and weak glands, regulating monthly periods, correcting hot flashes and vaginal spasms (PMS), and assisting women through the difficult transition of menopause. It is never given to women during pregnancy. The upper part of the root is considered a great blood builder. The tails of the root is used in emergencies as a blood clot dissolver after serious accidents or for expelling the afterbirth that has failed to appear. The coumarins in Angelica are valuable medication for reducing high-protein edemas, such as swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphedema). It is also used for treating psoriasis accompanying arthritis.
Constituents of Angelica: Essential Oils (phellandrene, pinene), Angelica acid, Coumarin compounds, Bitter principles, Tannin, Resin. Angelica balsam is obtained by extracting the roots with alcohol, evaporating and extracting the residue with ether. Angelica may be used in the followings: Expectorant for coughs, bronchitis, and pleurisy especially when accompanied by fever, colds, or influenza; Leaf in compress for inflammations of the chest; Intestinal colic and flatulence; Stimulate appetite and can be used in anorexia nervosa; Rheumatic inflammations; Cystitis (urinary antiseptic); Convalescence from debilitating illness, especially where marked by subjective feelings of chill or cold; To improving debilitated digestive and hepatic conditions; As a component of a fever management strategy where the condition is well entrenched; For asthmatic conditions and children’s respiratory ailments (Ref.:Hoffmann & Mills). Angelica is generally considered to be of extremely low toxicity. It may cause some fair-skinned persons to become more sensitive to sunlight. Persons using it on a regular basis should limit prolonged exposure to the sun or other sources of ultraviolet radiation. It is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women.
References:
Botanical.Com by Mrs. M Grieve. http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anegl037.html
Australian Nathuropathic Network. http://www.ann.com.au/herbs/Monographs/angelica.htm
http://www.answers.com/topic/angelica?cat=health
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