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HERBAL OVERVIEW
ANGELICA
Angelica Archangelica / Angelica Officialis / Dong Quai / Angelica Sinensis / Garden Angelica
INTRODUCTION
Angelica is native to northern and central Europe, where it is known as "an angel in plant form." In the Middle Ages, this herb, an Umbelliferae member, was cultivated for its healing root. Because of its apparent detoxifying qualities, angelica was regularly used in treating lung ailments and ulcers. The plant is now primarily used to alleviate bronchial problems and digestive disorders. It can also warm cold hands and feet by stimulating circulation and is quite effective in strengthening the body. Teas made from the root can relieve respiratory congestion. In the garden, angelica grows to an impressive height and emits a sweet, pleasant scent. With its bittersweet taste, this herb is valued not only for its many medicinal qualities, but also for its culinary appeal.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
Angelica is found in central and northern Europe, as well as in Iceland and Syria. As a moisture-loving plant, it grows in damp forests and along riverbanks there, though gardeners in the US can grow it in their herb gardens. A sturdy plant, angelica lives only until it blooms and bears seed, usually within two to four years. It has a carrot-like root with many side roots. The ribbed stem is hollow and branches toward the top. The pinnate leaves have long ribs, while the upper leaves are shorter and smaller. The plant's greenish-white, hemispherical umbels appear in summer and have a honey-like fragrance.
GARDENING TIPS
While angelica is winter hardy, it needs moist, rich soil with compost thoroughly worked in. Make sure the soil is well drained, so that the large root can spread out. The plant must be watered regularly during dry periods.
Angelica thrives in locations where there is sun to partial shade. It prefers moist, humus-rich soil. It does not like standing water. Angelica can grow as high as 5 to 8 feet, depending on the location.
Gather stems and leaves in the spring of the second year, before the plant blooms. The roots can be harvested at the end of the first season (late fall) or during the second season. Brush off any loose dirt, thoroughly rinse the root in water and cut into pieces. Air-dry the root in a shady, well-ventilated place, or in an oven set at 125°F. Once dry, store in a glass container with a tight-fitting seal. Collect the seeds when ripe.
CULTIVATION & PROPAGATION
Angelica can be raised from seed or purchased from a nursery. The seeds lose their ability to germinate after about 3 months, so they should be stored for an extended period of time. A majestic addition to any perennial bed, it grows especially well when planted near the edges of garden ponds. However, it does not tolerate standing water.
A very tall plant, angelica grows as high as 5 to 8 feet and makes a stunning addition to any flower or herb bed. Be sure to plant it toward the back of the garden, so it does not overshadow the shorter plants. Angelica is generally considered a biennial, since it dies after blooming and producing one crop of seeds, usually during its second year of growth. However, this plant can be kept growing for several years at a time if the flower stalks are cut once a year, before the seeds have had a chance to form.
Seeding & Planting
1. Sow the seeds in rows either in late summer or early fall, pressing them into the soil gently with a fingertip. Be sure you do not cover the seeds, since they require light to germinate.
2. Thin the plants when they are about 1.5 inches to 2 inches high, leaving at least 3 feet of space on all sides.
Propagation
If angelica flowers are allowed to mature, the plant reseeds itself. As an alternative, gather the seeds by hand and then sow them immediately in a suitable location.
ANGELICA HISTORY
For centuries, Angelica Root has been hailed as the ultimate remedy for poisons and all infectious maladies. It was said to protect against contagious diseases and for use as a blood purifier. One popular explanation of the name of this plant is that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel, the Great Defender (Old Style, May 8th) and so is believed to be a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft. According to the legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague. All parts of the plant were believed to ward off spells and enchantment. Held in such high esteem, Angelica Root, was sometimes called "The Root of the Holy Ghost." As a medicinal plant, Angelica was considered to have "Angelic" healing powers. Angelica has a long-standing, ancient record as a medicinal herb. About twenty different Native American tribes have used Angelica species for medicine, including the Creeks (Muskogee) who chewed the root and swallowed the juice for stomach disorders.
European Angelica was used in medieval times (Middle Ages) to ward off the plague, evil spirits and witches. Children would wear necklaces of Angelica for protection. It is said that, in the mid 1600's an angel appeared to a monk during a dream with a message that it could protect against the plague. As a result of this experience, the monk renamed the plant Angelica (from that of wild celery), and the British Royal College of Physicians used it of formulate the "King's Excellent Plague Recipe." Needless to say, it did not stop the plague and soon fell into disfavor. Also, during this time the liquid extract was dropped into the solders eyes and ears before going into battle, in belief that it would improve their sight and hearing.
ANGELICA USES
Angelica has a mild licorice flavor. Chopped leaves and stems can be used to season fruit, soups, sauces, salads, and stews. The stems can be candied or made into preserves. The roots and seeds are used to flavor herbal liqueurs, vermouth and gin. The roots, seeds and leaves of the plant are used for medicinal purposes. A tea made from the dried roots can be helpful with gastrointestinal problems, coughs and bronchitis. Soaking in a bath with angelica can be effective in calming the nerves.
Every part of the Angelica plant can be used, seeds, leaves, stems and the root. The root is an abundant source of vitamin B-12, folic acid and niacin, which may explain its building attributes because these B vitamins are influential in making blood cells. Not only does angelica contain volatile oils and bitters, it also has furanocoumarins, including bergapten and angelicin, which enable it to relieve muscle cramps. The coumarin increase blood flow, relieves inflammation, stimulates the central nervous system and has antispasmodic effects. Research done in China has show that Angelica directly affects the uterus, causing both contracting and relaxing effects. Also, the plants active ingredients appear to affect nearly every part of the body, including the CNS, immune system, muscles, digestive tract, kidneys, blood vessels and cells. Listed below are some of the ailments that Angelica is used for today:
- Nervous headaches.
- Cardiovascular conditions and poor circulation, gives energy to the body, stimulates and warms the circulation.
- Female conditions - expels afterbirth (placenta), eases painful menstruation, gets the suppressed menstruation going, activates circulation in the pelvic region.
- Gastrointestinal conditions - stimulates the appetite and acts as an aid for digestion, triggering gallbladder and stomach secretions, warms the digestive system, helps with colic in children, eases gas/wind, also indigestion and heartburn, helps to combat stomach cramps and can also strengthen a weak stomach. It is a diuretic and can be used to treat feelings of fullness.
- Protects against disease.
- Eases rheumatism and gout, when applied externally.
- Liver conditions - hepatitis and liver problems.
- Respiratory tract conditions - problems breathing, bronchitis, lung disease loosens phlegm, pleurisy, soothes cough and throat.
- Calm the nerves.
- It is effective as a gargle for a sore throat.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
ANGELICA DOSAGE INFORMATION
Angelica Root comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. Purchase angelica from natural food stores and specialty shops, as angelica can be easily mistaken for one of its poisonous relatives if gathered in the wild. For best results, read product label directions before use. As always if you have any questions ask your health care provider before use.
ANGELICA SAFETY & INTERACTION INFORMATION
Angelica Root should not be given to patients who have diabetes, as it can cause an increase of sugar in the urine. Those with sensitive skin may experience dermatitis when handling Angelica. This herb contains coumarin therefore; those on anticoagulants should not use this herb. These components may make some people's skin more sensitive to light, causing it to develop a rash when exposed to the skin. Safety in young children or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. Angelica is also capable of producing a miscarriage and should be avoided by pregnant women unless otherwise directed by a knowledgeable practitioner. Do not take if Breast-feeding.
NUTRITION-HERBAL LINKS
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics: Herbal Index
ANGELICA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Angelica Root Tincture, 2 fl. oz.
Angelica root is generally used as a stimulating herbal expectorant.
Cerebral Cardiovascular Cleanser, 100% Natural, Fibrinolytic & Hemolytic, Qilong Yufeng, 60 Caps
Cerebral Cardiovascular Cleanser, Fibrinolytic and Hemolytic, is made of extracts of astragalus root, Chinese angelica root, common peony root, lumbricus (earthworm), cnidium, safflower flower and peach seed.
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear, TCM Formula, Shanze Xiaoxhi, 60 Caps
Clear Eye & Sharp Ear Chinese Formulas are made of extracts from astragalus root, pueraria root, seashore vitex, common peony root, cimicifuge, phellodendron, licorice, cnidium, Chinese angelica root (Dong Quai) and ginseng.
Clear Head & Neck Comfort, TCM Formula, Toufengning, 100% Natural, 60 Caps
Clear Head & Neck Comfort formula is made of snidium, angelica root, notopterygium rhizome and root, asarum, siler, wild mint, schizonepeta and licorice, herbs for headache.
Female Regularity, Shenrong Dingkun, 60 Caps
Female Regularity, Shenrong Dingkun is made of ginseng, deer horn, carthamus, millettia, notoginseng, common peony root, prepared rehmannia root, Chinese angelica root, atractylodes, wolfberry, scute, cyperus, mother wort, cnidium, de-glued antler powder, donkey hide glue and corydalis.
Leak Control, Incontinence Treatment, TCM Formula, Ludi Kongquan, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 60 Caps
A formulation of Chinese herbs used to strengthen the urinary muscles and enhance urine withholding power providing help for those suffering from incontinence.
PainEase Analgesic Formula, 100% Natural, 350 mg, 60 Caps
Made of corydalis tuber and angelica root, this well-known formula is used in Chinese medicine for its tranquilizing, analgesic, antibacterial, and anti-hypoxia properties to regulate the Qi, promote normal blood circulation, protect mucous membrane of the stomach and to stop pain.
Ring Ease, Cylinder Works, 60 Caps
Ring Ease is a special herbal formulation to aid those who suffer from ear or head noises (tinnitus) where no external sound is present.
Super Manhood, Male Libido Enhancement, TCM Formula, Wenyang Yishen, 100% Natural, 500 mg, 60 Caps
This time-honored Male Libido Enhancement formula is made of extracts from prepared rehmannia root, fried common yam, wolfberry fruit, prepared Chinese dodder seed, eucommia bark in giner, freid antler glue, Asiatic cornus fruit, Chinese angelica root, cinnamon bark, prepared aconite, lindera root, alpinia fruit, mantis egg case and Chinese leek seed.
Swedish Bitters Capsaicin Cream, Nature Works, 4 oz.
Swedish Bitters Capsaicin Cream contains cayenne pepper and Swedish bitters and is suggested for the temporary relief of aches and pains in muscles and joints due to arthritis, backache, strains and sprains, and may be used to revitalize after strenuous exercise.
Swedish Bitters, Nature Works, 50 Caps
NatureWorks Swedish Bitters cleanses and soothes the system, promotes regularity, improves digestion, tones the liver and increases energy.
Zheng Gu Shui Topical Analgesic Lotion, TCM Formula, 3 fl. oz.
Zheng Gu Shui, Discover the Topical Analgesic that Chinese have been widely using for over 60 years.
FOR MORE PRODUCTS & INFORMATION CLICK ON THESE LINKS:
Mountain Rose Herbs: Angelica (Angelica Archangelica) Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs: Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis) Bulk Herbs
Shaman Shop: Angelica Root, Bulk Herbs, Cut & Sifted, Organic, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Angelica Root, Standardized, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 Caps
Herbal Remedies: Angelica Root Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Angelica Root Information
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