Plant Profile: Angelica

Angelica

(Angelica archangelica)

Family: UMBELLIFERAE

Energetics: Warm. 

Taste: Spicy. Bitter.

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Lungs. Stomach. Intestines. Blood.

Parts Used: Root.

Key Components: Volatile oils (Phellandrene, pinene). Bitter principles. Tannins. Sugars. Angelica acid. Flavonoids. Sterols. 

Preparations & dosage: Infusion: Tincture: 

Actions: 
Foundational: Stimulant. Bitter.
Primary: Carminative. Emmenagogue. Diaphoretic. Diuretic. Expectorant
Secondary: Antispasmodic.

Uses: 

For the Digestive System: Cold weak lax digestion. Lack of appetite, gas. Helps support proper secretion of digestive juices as well as absorption of nutrients and elimination. 

For the circulatory system/blood: Warming circulatory stimulant that helps all manner of rheumatic complaints (arthritis, gout, etc). 

For the respiratory system: Excellent expectorant for coughs and colds with excessive mucous and lax tissues. Combine with diaphoretic herbs such as mint, lemon balm or garlic. 

For the Reproductive system: relieves cramps and stimulates menstruation when it has been delayed or stopped.   Research suggests that it has the ability he help balance the endocrine system and thus hormones. 

Urinary antiseptic for cystitis. 

Combines well with: False unicorn root, cramp bark, blue cohosh, wild ginger, prickly ash, cinnamon, licorice. Coltsfoot. Horehound. Chamomile. 

Identifying: 

Growing: A biennial that grows in zones 4-9. Prefers damp places such as along streams and rivers and even along the seashore. 

Harvesting: Roots are harvested in the fall. 

Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Diabetics should avoid as it can potentially raise blood sugar. Could potentially cause skin photosensitivity. 

Sources: 

The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra: Pg 86-87
The Herbal Apothecary: JJ Pursell. Pg 55-56
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 210

Studies: