Angelica

Angelica archangelica

 

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Apiaceae, or the parsley family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Angelica is native to northern regions such as northern Europe, Iceland, Denmark, Russia, Greenland. It has been naturalized in part of the United States such as Missouri, Wisconsin and Maryland. Angelica grows wild in cold climates. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Root and leaf ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Antimicrobial
• Astringent
• Diuretic
• Vulnerary
• Cholagogue
• Anti-inflammatory
• Emmenagogue
• Expectorant
• Diaphoretic ^[2]
5. Indications:
• Respiratory system - expectorant
• Integumentary - 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 or retained products ^[1]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Volatile oils, phthalates, furanocoumarin glycosides, flavonoids, sterols ^[2]
7. System Affinities:
• All but endocrine and neurological
8. Energetics:
• Warming, bitter, mobile, clear, sharp ^[3]
9. Safety:
• Not safe for pregnancy (*3^rd stage labor ONLY*). May result in photosensitivity due to furanocoumarin content – avoid UV exposure. ^[2]
10. Interactions:
• May interfere with anticoagulant therapy. ^[2]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
• The tincture is cloudy – I had to stir it up quite a bit before taking it. It’s a pale yellow-brown color, maybe a little orange. The taste is SO interesting. It reminds me of ginger or lemongrass – hence its warming, mobile effects on the circulatory system. I actually really enjoy the taste. It wouldn’t say it’s bitter… more tingly-like on my tongue - almost metallic-tasting.
2. Preparation Method:
• Tincture: (1:5 in 45%) 2 – 5 mL, 3x/day
• Decoction: Boil 1 tsp dried herb in 1 cup of water. Drink 3x/day ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
•  I noted some GI cramping after a couple doses of the tincture. Didn't really feel any uterine effects. The GI sensations were sharp at first (on my R side) and then changed to more of a generalized cramping. My mouth stayed metallic for a few hours after!

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2018). Week 8 Study Questions. Bastyr University: FA-18_MW5124-A Botanicals 4: Labor.
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.