Angelica (Angelica archangelica L. )

Angelica atropurpurea L. Angelica sylvestris Angelica gigas Angelica officinalis Umbelliferae Umbel family

Description

Angelica can grow 5 to 8 feet tall, needs rich, moist, well-drained soil in partial shade. The seeds require light for germination, do not cover with soil if planning to establish plants. The plant will produce seeds only once, usually in its second or third year. If you cut the flowers back before they seed each summer, thus extending it’s life, the plant will continue to grow for years to come. Angelica is a biennial producing foliage the first year and stems and flowers the second. Flowers time is June to August. It dies back in the winter (no frost protection is necessary). Collect ripe seed in late summer and sow in early autumn. The seeds are fairly large and coated with a straw-like substance. Seeds turn from green to yellow when they are ready to be harvested. Not bothered by weeds, grows well in wild surrounded by other plants. Pruning is not necessary, but remove lower leaves if they wither.

The grooved, hollow stem is occasionally purplish at the top of the plant.

The leaves have enlarged convex sheaths at the base of the leafstalks and have 2 to 3 pinnate parts. They become smaller toward the top of the plant and are less clefted. The upper part of this herb is branchy. At the branch ends grow the inflorescences, 20- 40- radiate double umbels with bristly small leaves. The tiny greenish-white flowers smell of honey. Some angelica plants flower white blossoms or more rarely, pale-purple flowers. Oval fruits are ridged with thin lateral wings.

A. gigas (Korean angelica) is an exquisite ornamental introduced to the United States in the early 1980’s. All parts are a rich purple, including the deep-toned flowers. It’s an excellent contrast for finely textured tall grasses and combines well with colorful perennials.

Because it resembles celery in odor and appearance, angelica sometimes is known as wild celery. Seeds are available through catalogs, but young plants are more successfully cultivated. After the second year, propagate with offshoots and root cuttings. Roots can also be harvested in early fall of the second year. Full sun or partial shade; Zones 4-9.

Other varieties: Du Huo (A. pubescens); Dang gui (A. sinensis); Angelica (A. breweri); Masterwort (A. atropurpurea) also called angelica.

Medicinal Properties

Stimulates appetite, carminative, expectorant, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, diuretic

Angelica is a good herbal tea to take for colic, gas, indigestion, hepatitis, and heartburn. It is useful to add in remedies for afflictions of the respiratory system, as well as liver problems and digestive difficulties. Promotes circulation and energy in the body. It is often used to stimulate the circulation in the pelvic region and to stimulate suppressed menstruation. Angelica should not be used by pregnant women or diabetics.

RELIGIOUS: Grow it in your garden as a protection for garden and home. The root is often used as a protective amulet, and has been used to banish evil by burning the leaves. It is also used to lengthen life, and is used in protection against diseases, as well as to ward off evil spirits.

Adding it to a ritual bath will break spells and hexes. It has often been used to ward off evil spirits in the home.

GROWING: Angelica needs rich, moist garden soil in partial shade. It prefers wet bottomlands and swamps, and prefers the cooler northern regions to grow best. It is a perennial that can reach up to 6 feet tall.

Biochemical Information

Essential oil with phellandrene, angelica acid, coumarin compounds, bitter principle and tannins

Uses

An infusion of dried root can be used as a remedy for coughs and colds, to dispel gas and to soothe intestinal cramps. Also used to stimulate kidneys. The wash is used to relieve rheumatism and neuralgia. Used as a blood tonic. Eases stoppage of urination, good for suppressed menstruation, and helps expel the afterbirth. Good for sluggish liver and spleen. A tea made of angelica, dropped into old ulcers (external) will cleanse and heal them. Good for cold, colic, flu, cough, asthma, bronchitis, menstrual cramps, pleurisy, anemia, rheumatism, and fever.

This herb is excellent in diseases of the lungs, gout, stomach troubles, heartburn, colic, lack of appetite, dyspepsia and stomach upsets, gastrointestinal pain, gas, sciatica, and the heart. It is useful for skin lice, relieves itching, swelling, and pain. Regular users of Angelica root develop a distaste for alcoholic beverages. Chewing the root is recommended for people suffering from a hangover after excessive alcohol consumption. An infusion should be made from the leaves and chopped stems. This will also provide an excellent gargle for the treatment of sore tonsils, and throats. Angelica raw stalks are delicious when eaten with a little cream cheese, and the washed roots are also quite tasty. This plant is used to flavor many alcoholic drinks and its candied stem has long been used in confectionery.

The roots and fruits yield angelica oil, which is used in perfume, confectionery, medicine (especially Asian medicine), in salads, as teas, as a flavoring for liqueurs, and as the source of yellow dye. This robust and sweet-tasting plant is best known for decoration of cakes and puddings. Angelica lessens the need for sweetener when making pies or sauces. It can also be cooked and eaten as a fresh herb, used for seasoning fish, or made into syrup for pudding and ice cream toppings. The Norwegians make a bread of the roots. In the Lapland region, the stalks are regarded as a delicacy. A popular tea, tasting much like China tea, is infused from fresh or dried leaves.

Warning

Do Not take angelica if you are pregnant or have severe diabetes. Angelica has a tendency to increase the sugar in the urine.

Angelica archangelica has been identified as a suspected carcinogen in recent years. This drug will render you sensitive to light. Use of angelica for a fairly long time, will cause contraindicate ultraviolet or tanning salon treatments as well as strong sunlight for the duration.

Large doses can affect blood pressure, heart action, and respiration. To avoid these problems, do not exceed recommended dose.

Please Note: Angelica belongs to the Apiaceae Umbelliferae, a family with many poisonous members that can be mistaken for this medicinal plant. Wild angelica (Angelica Sylvestris) can be confused with European water hemlock, which is poisonous. Do Not collect angelica yourself under any circumstances! It is recommended that angelica not be harvested unless positively identified by a trained botanist, habitat being the same as for the poisonous varieties.

Bibliography

Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pgs., 87-88.
The Herb Book, by John Lust, pgs., 97-99.
Complete Herbal & English Physician, by Nicholas Culpeper, pgs., 8-9, 218.
Old Ways Rediscovered, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 3, 58-59.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, pgs., 36, 130-131, 150-151, 166-167, 180.
Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pgs., 60, PL 6.
The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; pgs., 347-349.
Herb Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, pgs., 38, 39, 55, 124.
The Herbalist Almanac, by Clarence Meyer, pgs., 57, 60, 247.
Indian Uses of Native Plants, by Edith Van Allen Murphey, pg., 50.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, pg., 83.
An Instant Guide to Medicinal Plants, by Pamela Forey and Ruth Lindsay, pg., 47.
The Magic of Herbs in Daily Living, by Richard Lucas, pgs., 38-39.
American Folk Medicine, by Clarence Meyer, pg., 283.
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., pgs., 57, 64, 86, 110, 112, 114, 125, 137, 148-149, 236, 238, 273.
Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 13-14.
Earl Mindell’s Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, pgs., 39-41.
A Useful Guide to Herbal Health Care, HCBL (Health Center for Better Living), pg., 21.
The Rodale Herb Book, by edited by William H. Hylton, pgs., 30, 84, 93, 105, 145, 149, 340-345.
Country Home Book of Herbs, executive editor Nancy N. Green, pg., 10. Healing Plants, by Mannfried Pahlow, pgs., 139-140.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Cinnamon
(Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Parts used and where grown: Most people are familiar with the sweet but pungent taste of the oil, powder, or sticks of bark from the cinnamon tree. Cinnamon is perhaps one of the oldest herbal medicines, having been mentioned in Chinese texts as long ago as 4,000 years. Cinnamon trees grow in a number of tropical areas, including parts of India, China, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Caribbean.

In what conditions might cinnamon be supportive?

Â¥ menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)

Â¥ yeast infection

Historical or traditional use: There is a broad range of historical uses for cinnamon in different cultures, including the treatment of diarrhea, arthritis, and various menstrual disorders.1 The large number of applications for cinnamon indicates the widespread appreciation folk herbalists around the world have had for cinnamon as a medicine, although there is often no research to substantiate the health claims.

Active constituents: Various terpenoids found in the essential oil are believed to account for cinnamonÕs medicinal effects. Important among these compounds are eugenol and cinnamaldehyde. Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon oil vapors are extremely potent antifungal compounds.2 Preliminary human evidence confirms this effect in studies of AIDS patients with oral candida (thrush) infections that improved with application of cinnamon oil.3 Antibacterial actions have been demonstrated for cinnamon.4 The diterpenes in the volatile oil have also shown antiallergic activity.5 Water extracts may help reduce ulcers.6

How much should I take? A tea can be prepared from the powdered herb by boiling 1/2 U.S. teaspoon (2-3 grams) of the powder for ten to fifteen minutes, cooling, and then drinking. No more than a few drops of essential oil should be used and never for extended periods of time. Cinnamon tincture in the amount of 2&endash;3 ml three times each day can also be used.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Some individuals develop allergies and dermatitis after exposure to cinnamon. Therefore, only small amounts should be used initially in persons who have not previously had contact with cinnamon, and anyone with a known allergy should avoid it. Chronic use may cause inflammation in the mouth. The concentrated oil is more likely to cause problems.

References:

1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Foods,Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996, 168&endash;70.
2. Singh HB, Srivastava M, Singh AB, Srivastava AK. Cinnamon bark oil, a potent fungitoxicant against fungi causing respiratory tract mycoses. Allergy 1995;50:995&endash;99.
3. Quale JM, Landman D, Zaman MM, et al. In vitro activity of Cinnamomum zeylanicum against azole resistant and sensitive Candida species and a pilot study of cinnamon for oral candidiasis. Am J Chin Med 1996;24:103&endash;9.
4. Azumi S, Tanimura A, Tanamoto K. A novel inhibitor of bacterial endotoxin derived from cinnamon bark. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 1997;234:506&endash;10.
5. Nagai H, Shimazawa T, Matsuura N, Koda A. Immunopharmacological studies of the aqueous extract of Cinnamomum cassia (CCAq). I. Anti-allergic action. Jpn J Pharmacol 1982;32:813&endash;22.
6. Akira T, Tanaka S, Tabata M. Pharmacological studies on the antiulcerogenic activity of Chinese cinnamon. Planta Med (6):440.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

Parts used and where grown: The ubiquitous, small, green chickweed plant grows across the United States and originated in Europe. The leaves, stems, and flowers are used in botanical medicine.

In what conditions might chickweed be supportive?

Â¥ eczema

Â¥ insect stings and bites

Historical or traditional use: Chickweed was reportedly used at times for food.1 Chickweed enjoys a reputation as treating a wide spectrum of conditions in folk medicine, ranging from asthma and indigestion to skin diseases. Traditional Chinese herbalists used a tea made from chickweed for nosebleeds.

Active constituents: The active constituents in chickweed are largely unknown. It contains relatively high amounts of vitamins and flavonoids, which may explain some of its effect. Although some older information suggests a possible benefit for chickweed in rheumatic conditions, this has not been validated in clinical practice.2

How much should I take? Although formerly used as a tea, chickweedÕs main use today is as a cream applied liberally several times each day to rashes and inflammatory skin conditions (e.g., eczema) to ease itching and inflammation. As a tincture, 1-5 ml per day can be taken.

Are there any side effects or interactions? No side effects with chickweed have been reported.

References:

1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 458-9.
2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 265.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Agnus-castus, chaste berry

Parts used and where grown: Vitex grows in the Mediterranean countries and Central Asia. The dried fruit, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used.

In what conditions might vitex be supportive?

Â¥ fibrocystic breast disease

Â¥infertility (female)

Â¥menopause

Â¥menorrhagia (heavy menstruation)

Â¥menstrual difficulties (secondary amenorrhea)

Â¥premenstrual syndrome

Historical or traditional use: Hippocrates, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus mention the use of vitex for a wide variety of conditions, including hemorrhage following childbirth, and also to assist with the ‘passing of afterbirth.’ Decoctions of the fruit and plant were also used in sitz baths for diseases of the uterus. In addition, vitex was believed to suppress libido and inspire chastity, which explains one of its common names, chaste tree.

Active constituents: The whole fruit extract, which contains several different components, is thought to be medicinally active.

* 1 Vitex does not contain hormones; its benefits stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland, specifically on the production of luteinizing hormone. This increases progesterone production and helps regulate a woman’s cycle. Vitex also keeps prolactin secretion in check.

2 The ability to decrease excessive prolactin levels may benefit infertile women.

How much should I take? Many people take 40 drops (in a glass of water) of the concentrated liquid herbal extract in the morning. Vitex is also available in powdered form in tablets and capsules, again to be taken in the morning.

With its emphasis on long-term balancing of a woman’s hormonal system, vitex is not a fast-acting herb. For premenstrual syndrome or frequent or heavy periods, vitex can be used continuously for four to six months. Women with amenorrhea and infertility can remain on vitex for twelve to eighteen months, unless pregnancy occurs during treatment.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Side effects of using vitex are rare. Minor gastrointestinal upset and a mild skin rash with itching have been reported in less than 2% of the women monitored while taking vitex. Vitex is not recommended for use during pregnancy.

References:

1. Monograph Agni casti fructus (Chaste tree fruits). Bundesanzeiger, May 15, 1985 (no. 90), Dec 2, 1992 (no. 226).
2. Sliutz G, Speiser P, et al. Agnus castus extracts inhibit prolactin secretion of rat pituitary cells. Horm Metab Res 1993; 25:253-5. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.