Angelica occurs wild in the colder parts of Europe, from Iceland, through Scandinavia, to central Russia; also in mountain ranges from the Pyrenees to Syria. It is found as an escapee from cultivation in many countries, including the UK. A. atropurpurea is utilized in the USA. Dong quai (A. sinensis) provides a popular drug in traditional Chinese medicine.
P L A N T D E S C R I P T I O N
Angelica is a biennial growing to a height of 2 m (6 ft) (when in flower). The green stems bear large bit to tripinnate leaves that are 30–70 cm (28 in) long, and if the plant is allowed to grow into the second year, the flowering stems carry umbels of greenish white or green flowers, giving rise to ‘seeds’ (botanically speaking, these are fruits), 5–7 mm in length. Dong quai is a similar plant, with white flowers.
C U L I N A R Y A N D N U T R I T I O N A L VA L U E
Pieces of the young stem and leaf stalk of archangelica are candied (crystallized with sugar) and used in confectionery, their bright green colour being attractive. The roots may be used in making gin, and the ‘seeds’ vermouth
and chartreuse...
C L A I M S A N D F O L K L O R E
Angelica (A. archangelica): parts used are ‘seed’, leaf, rhizome, and root. It first became popular in Europe during the fifteenth century; it has been used internally for digestive disorders (e.g. gastric ulcers, anorexia), bronchitis, catarrh, flu, chronic fatigue, and menstrual and abstetric problems, and externally for rheumatic pain, neuralgia, and pleurisy.
Dong quai (A. sinensis): the part used is the root. It is an important Chinese medical herb, its use dating back to about AD 200. It has been recommended for all kinds of gynaecological problems, and as an antispasmodic, a ‘blood purifier’, and for hypertension, rheumatism, and constipation.
E V I D E N C E
Among the chemical substances present are coumarins and furancoumarins, and also a pleasant essential (volatile) oil. It is known that some coumarins can act as vasodilators and stimulate the central nervous system. However, the relatively few animal experiments carried out do not as yet justify all the claims for the efficacy of the herb.
The coumarins and furancoumarins, on contact with the skin, may lead to photosensitivity, which could result in a type of dermatitis that might become cancerous. This has given rise to a limit being recommended for root oil in
cosmetic and suntan preparations.
Angelica products should not be used during pregnancy and lactation because of possible abortifacient effects. The root is recommended in Germany, for treatment of
loss of appetite and flatulence, but not the ‘seed’ and overground parts.
P L A N T D E S C R I P T I O N
Angelica is a biennial growing to a height of 2 m (6 ft) (when in flower). The green stems bear large bit to tripinnate leaves that are 30–70 cm (28 in) long, and if the plant is allowed to grow into the second year, the flowering stems carry umbels of greenish white or green flowers, giving rise to ‘seeds’ (botanically speaking, these are fruits), 5–7 mm in length. Dong quai is a similar plant, with white flowers.
C U L I N A R Y A N D N U T R I T I O N A L VA L U EPieces of the young stem and leaf stalk of archangelica are candied (crystallized with sugar) and used in confectionery, their bright green colour being attractive. The roots may be used in making gin, and the ‘seeds’ vermouth
and chartreuse...
C L A I M S A N D F O L K L O R E
Angelica (A. archangelica): parts used are ‘seed’, leaf, rhizome, and root. It first became popular in Europe during the fifteenth century; it has been used internally for digestive disorders (e.g. gastric ulcers, anorexia), bronchitis, catarrh, flu, chronic fatigue, and menstrual and abstetric problems, and externally for rheumatic pain, neuralgia, and pleurisy.
Dong quai (A. sinensis): the part used is the root. It is an important Chinese medical herb, its use dating back to about AD 200. It has been recommended for all kinds of gynaecological problems, and as an antispasmodic, a ‘blood purifier’, and for hypertension, rheumatism, and constipation.
E V I D E N C E
Among the chemical substances present are coumarins and furancoumarins, and also a pleasant essential (volatile) oil. It is known that some coumarins can act as vasodilators and stimulate the central nervous system. However, the relatively few animal experiments carried out do not as yet justify all the claims for the efficacy of the herb.
The coumarins and furancoumarins, on contact with the skin, may lead to photosensitivity, which could result in a type of dermatitis that might become cancerous. This has given rise to a limit being recommended for root oil in
cosmetic and suntan preparations.
Angelica products should not be used during pregnancy and lactation because of possible abortifacient effects. The root is recommended in Germany, for treatment of
loss of appetite and flatulence, but not the ‘seed’ and overground parts.
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