Angelica archangelica

Other Botanical Names: Angelica officinalis, Archangelica officinalis

Common Name: Angelica

Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae (Parsley family)

Parts used: Root, seed

Constituents: The root contains bitters, resins, tannins, angelic acids, essential oils, and furanocoumarins. The seeds contain essential oils, coumarin, and furanocoumarins.

Taste/smell: Bitter, aromatic, sweet

Tendencies: Warming, stimulating

Actions

• Bitter tonic

• Carminative

• Stomachic

• Mild choleretic

• Antispasmodic

• Stimulant nervine

• Antibacterial

• Antifungal

• Emmenagogue (stimulates or increases menstrual flow)

• Abortifacient (induces abortion)

• Vermifuge/Anthelmintic (kills parasites)

Uses

• Non-ulcer dyspepsia (indigestion or maldigestion) with flatulence, burping, heartburn, minor cramps, etc.

• Biliary insufficiency

• Biliary dyskinesia

• Loss of appetite

• Anorexia

• Gas

• Atonic constipation

• Hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)

• Depression and tension

• Amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea

Contraindications

• Pregnancy due to its emmenagogue, uterine stimulant, abortifacient, and/or teratogenic effects

• Nursing mothers

• Active duodenal ulcers

• Gastritis

• Hyperchlorhydria

• GERD

• Biliary obstruction

• Acute diarrhea

• Acute cholelithiasis

• Allergic hypersensitivity to Asteraceae family (i.e. arnica, chamomile, feverfew, ragweed, tansy, yarrow)

Adverse Effects

• None known

Toxicity

• None known

Interactions

• None known