Plant Family:

Apiaceae family

 

Habitat & Cultivation: 

Angelica is native to northern regions such as northern of Europe, Iceland, Denmark, Russia, Greenland.  It has been naturalized in part of United States such as Missouri, Wisconsin, and Maryland. Angelica grows wild in cold climates. 

 

Angelica has been found as far back as 10th century Scandinavia. It is thought to have been used by shamans for healing. Throughout European history Angelica has been used to help ease cold symptoms, coughs, bronchitis, and GI upsets. In German culture Angelica is officially used by providers to primarily treat the digestive system, used to stimulate the appetite, and to treat dyspepsia.

 

Parts Used/Collection: 

The root and rhizome are used medicinally (AHPA, 2013). The best time to harvest is in the Autumn (AHPA, 2013). 

 

Herbal Actions: 

• antimicrobial

• astringent

• diuretic

• vulnerary

• cholagogue

• anti-inflammatory

• emmenogogue

• expectorant

• diaphoretic 

 

Indications:

• Respiratory system - expectorant 

• Integumentary (skin) - psoriasis, atopic dermatitis

• Urinary - antiseptic, promotes diuresis

• Musculoskeletal - reduce rheumatic inflammation

• Gastrointestinal - stimulates appetite, reduce flatulence, reduce intestinal distress 

• Reproductive - not recommended during pregnancy; 3rd stage - retained placenta

• According to Fraternale, et al., (2014) angelica has an affinity for gram positive bacteria, and has the ability to inhibit the growth of these microorganisms. In the 3rd stage of labor, angelica is useful for releasing a retained placenta. Additionally, in the PP period, angelica may also be useful at preventing uterine infections - prolonged ROM, chorioamnionitis, attempted manual removal of the placenta, etc. Angelica also has an affinity for the uterus and aids in blood flow to this region which can help with the healing process and involution as well.

 

Dose:

Tincture
2-5ml , 3x/day
1:5 (W:V) in 45%Etoh

Decoction
1 tsp into 1 cup of water
3x/day
Cut root decocted
 

Contraindications: 

Contraindications/safety considerations for Angelica include: photosensitivity and may interfere with anticoagulant therapy. Also, given the strong emmenagogue property, use during pregnancy is NOT recommended (AHPA, 2013). No known restrictions or safety considerations are known for use during lactation.(ABC, 2013; AHPA, 2013). 

 

Plant Constituents: 

Volatile oil

Macrocyclic lactones

Flavoinoids

Phytosterols

Furanocoumarin glycosides

 

System Affinities: 

Gastrointestinal

Reproductive

Nervous system

Immune system

 

Energetics: 

Pungent, sweet, bitter, aromatic, warming, stimulating (Frawley and Lad & Riccio)
 “With a green spicy top note and a pleasant musky dry-out” (Fraternale, Flamini and Ricci).
 

Safety: 

Safety class 2b:

Not for use in pregnancy.

Has photosensitizing effects (no cases of phototoxicity associated with internal angelica) There is no information on Angelica’s safety with lactation. May interfere with anticoagulant therapy.

 

Personal Experience:

Created a tincture during our labtime and used this for cramps.  I didn't feel any relief from the cramps unfortunately. 

 

Research:

Fraternale, D., Flamini, G. & Ricci, D. (2014) "Essential Oil Composition and  Antimicrobial Activity of Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae) Roots." Medscape.

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Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.

 

Gardner, Z. & McGuffin, M. (2013). American herbal products association’s: Botanical safety handbook (2nd ed.). Boca Raton, FL: CRC press.
 

Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press. Rochester, VT.

Mills, S. & Bone, K. (2005). The essential guide to herbal safety. London, England: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone