Angelica
Written by Robert A Wilson   
Friday, 16 February 2007
Angelica Sinensis (not to be confused with Angelica Archangelica) is a biennial/perennial herb native to Syria but is also found in the United Kingdom and Iceland. Other species are found in America, Europe and Asia. Angelica grows between 50 to 250 cm in height and produces flowers that are greenish-white to yellowish in color in June through August. The fruit of the Angelica plant tends to have a strong odor and bittersweet taste. Traditional Chinese medicine refers to Dong Quai (a species of Angelica) as the “female ginseng” and considers Angelica to be second only to ginseng. Parts usually used: The roots, up to the head, are used. Stems may be candied for tasty treats.

Other Names:

Dong Quai

Potential Uses:

  • For abnormal menstruation and other female problems
  • To strengthen the heart and treat individuals with cardiovascular disease, including problems with high blood pressure and circulation (due to it’s anticoagulent qualities)
  • To treat anemia and weak glands, psoriasis resulting from arthritis, and in reducing high protein edemas
  • To help calm digestive disturbances, stimulate the appetite, and alleviate cough
  • For stomach trouble, heartburn, gas, colic, colds, fever
  • The powdered root is suggested to cause an aversion to liquor

Precautions:

  • Pregnant or lactating women should not take any form of Angelica.
  • Angelica is generally considered to be low in toxicity, however may increase sensitivity to light in some individuals.
  • It is unadvisable to take other root teas, such as ginseng, within 2-3 hours of taking Angelica.
  • There is a potential for drug interactions between Angelica and blood thinning agents.
  • Possible side effects are excessive bleeding and fever.
  • Angelica can act as a laxative.

Alternative medicine information is provided as a service to familiarize physicians and their patients with medicinal claims available through the media. This does NOT constitute a treatment recommendation.

Last Updated ( Friday, 08 February 2008 )