Angelica, also known as masterwort, wild parsnip, and wild celery, has been used as an herbal medicine for thousands of years. It is a plant genus of about 60 species of tall biennial and perennial herbs in the family Apiaceae, native to temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, reaching as far North as Iceland and Lapland. It is found in rich thickets, bottomlands, moist cool woodlands, stream banks and shady roadsides. They grow to 1-3 m tall, with large bipinnate leaves and large compound umbels of white or greenish-white flowers. Some species can be found in purple moor and rush pastures. The root, seed, and fruit of the plant are used to make medicine.
Angelica is a close relative of the carrot, parsley, celery, fennel, and dill; and there are several different species of this herb. Chinese, American and European angelica are three different plants of the same variety, each are slightly different, but for the most part their actions are similar. The Chinese variety, Dong quai, is the most scientifically researched of the group. American and European varieties while not as well researched both have reputations for having similar effects, being used historically and by modern herbalists.
European angelica (Angelica archangelica) and American angelica (A. atropurpurea) have traditionally been used to treat headache, colds, gas, indigestion, stomach cramps and lung disease; it may also be used to improve circulation, help treat some bronchial and cardiovascular disorders, and ease menopausal symptoms. Chinese angelica (A. sinensis), commonly called Dong quai or Dang gui, is used in traditional Asian medicine to treat gynecologic disorders such as cramps, irregular menstrual cycles, infrequent periods, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, and to improve circulation.
Angelica root contains vitamin B12, Zinc, Thiamin, Sucrose, Riboflavin, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Fructose, Glucose, and many other trace minerals. Externally it is used as a medicinal gargle for sore throats and mouths and as a medicinal poultice for broken bones, swellings, itching and rheumatism. An infusion of Angelica root, used as a wash for the face, is said to prevent acme. A powder made from the dried root is used for athlete's foot, as well as an insecticide and pesticide.
Angelica is also used for...
Digestive System -- Stimulates appetite and is beneficial for treating anorexia nervosa.
Urinary System -- Promotes kidney function and helps with all types of problems affecting the urinary tract.
Circulatory System -- Tonic to the heart and promotes circulation. Good for treating anaemia.
Respiratory System -- Expectorant property is helpful in treating chronic bronchitis and pleurisy.
Reproductive System -- Promotes menstrual flow and is very useful for treating problem during menstruation.
Emotions -- Revitalizes a fatigued mind and loss of interest in life; also relieves impatience and exhaustion. Promotes courage in the emotionally weak. Good for people with attitudes of indifference.
Angelica stimulates the appetite and acts as a digestive aid, triggering gallbladder and stomach secretions. It is a diuretic and can be used to combat mild stomach cramps, feelings of fullness and flatulence. The herb can also be used to treat bronchitis and to calm the nerves. Applied externally, angelica root eases rheumatic complaints and gout. It is also effective as a gargle for sore throats.
Angelica is also used for heartburn, intestinal gas (flatulence), loss of appetite (anorexia), arthritis, circulation problems, "runny nose" (respiratory catarrh), nervousness, plague, and trouble sleeping (insomnia). Some women use angelica to start their menstrual periods. Angelica is also used to increase urine production, stimulate the production and secretion of phlegm, and kill germs. Some people apply angelica directly to the skin for nerve pain (neuralgia), joint pain (rheumatism), and skin disorders.
The main constituents of Angelica are volatile oils, valeric acid, angelic acid, angelicin, safrole, scopoletin, and linoleic acid, making it useful in the treatment of fevers, colds, coughs, flatulent colic and other stomach disorders. A medicinal infusion made from stems, seeds, and root is carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, stomachic and tonic. Angelica is used for obstructed menses and should not be taken in large quantities by pregnant women.
Angelica is a very good tonic herb for women and children, the elderly or general debility, it is said to strengthen the heart. Powdered root is said to cause disgust for liquor. It has an antibacterial action, preventing the growth of various bacteria.
Drinking angelica tea may enhance your mood, lift depression and improve general malaise. It also relieves nerve-related digestive problems and insomnia fue to tension and anxiety.
Angelica tea relieves feelings of fullness and bloating, especially after meals. When poor digestion, swallowing air while eating, eating too quickly or poor food choices causes gas build-up, angelica tea can help to alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms, strengthening normal digestive function at the same time.
For treating upset stomach (dyspepsia), when a combination of angelica and five other herbs is used. A specific combination product containing angelica (Iberogast, Medical Futures, Inc) seems to improve symptoms of upset stomach including acid reflux, stomach pain, cramping, nausea, and vomiting. The combination includes angelica plus peppermint leaf, clown's mustard plant, German chamomile, caraway, licorice, milk thistle, celandine, and lemon balm.
Dong Quai Side Effects & Safety Concerns
Angelica seems to be SAFE when used in food amounts. Angelica is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts. Angelica root seems to be safe for most adults when used as a cream, short-term.
If you take angelica, wear sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. Angelica might make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Women who bleed heavily during a normal menstrual period or who's blood does not clot easily should avoid using angelica species, including dong quai.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Angelica IS POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It may cause the uterus to contract and raise the risk of miscarriage. Nursing mothers should avoid angelica because no one knows if it is safe when you are breastfeeding.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Angelica might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use angelica.
Protein S deficiency: People with protein S deficiency have an increased risk of forming blood clots. There is some concern that angelica might increase the risk of clot formation in these people because it has some of the effects of estrogen. Don't use angelica if you have protein S deficiency.
Surgery: Angelica can slow blood clotting. It might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking angelica at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
If you take blood thinning agents like aspirin or other pharmaceutics, using angelica may be dangerous, clotting may be impaired and hemorrhage may result.
If you are experiencing abdominal congestion and bloating, you should avoid using angelica.
If you have endometriosis or fibroids, you should avoid angelica.
People with a history of cancer or who have had or are at risk for a heart attack should avoid using angelica.
People who use blood thinning medications, or if your blood has difficultly clotting.
If you are six weeks or more pregnant.
Angelica (and related species, including dong quai) may interact with the following medications and herbs:
Anticoagulants (blood-thinners) -- Angelica may make the effects of these drugs, including warfarin (Coumadin), stronger, and raise the risk of bleeding. The same is true of using angelica with the herbs listed below. Talk to your doctor before taking angelica with any of the following:
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Hormone medications -- There is little research on using Angelica and related species with hormone medications, such as estrogens, progesterones, tamoxifen, or raloxifene (Evista). But, because angelica may have estrogen-like effects, you should not take it with hormone medications except under your doctor's supervision.
Angelica (and related species, including dong quai) may interact with the following herbs:
St. John's wort -- Angelica and St. John's wort can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Talk to your doctor before taking them together.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting -- Angelica might slow blood clotting. Using angelica and dong quai along with other herbs that slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bleeding and bruising in some people. These herbs include clove, danshen, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, willow, and others.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Here are some reviews collected from the web highlighting some of the health benefits of taking Angelica/Dong quai:
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5.0 out of 5 stars Works well to lower blood pressure, July 21, 2011
By
M. Forbes...
I've used this product to help in lowering my blood pressure. It works really well. I saw results within two days of using it. Pretty impressed.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Endometriosis Cure!, September 21, 2010
By
juribe
I WISH I would have known about this stuff YEARS ago. It helps ALL the symptoms of Endometriosis. The fatigue from anemia, the cramps, upset stomach, the backaches, etc...It does what 5 medications do but better
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, January 15, 2011
By
K. Clark...
I have not had a period in three years. I have been taking dong quai for three weeks. Guess what! I got my period! I am 44 years old. The product really works! I recommend it highly. I feel that my hormones are balancing!
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars suprised, September 17, 2011
By
af367
For years, every month is miserable for nearly two weeks, debilitating cramps etc. I've been to so many doctors, they just prescribe 'the pill', which didn't help much and created other issues (have tried multiple brands). I stumbled on a review of Dong Quai, did some searches and decided it couldn't hurt to try. I take 2 a day and the difference has been amazing. In general, my energy and mood are better. Cramps that used to take excessive pain killers every 2-3 hours for at least a week, now take a few regular doses of ibuprofen for 3 days. Heavy 6-9 days is now much lighter 4-5 days. I used to have nasty headaches at least 1-2 a week, they still happen but aren't nearly as bad. I probably sound like a cheesy advert, but this stuff has done wonders for me. I want to call every one of those doctors and ask why none of them knew about this.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Dong Quai is AMAZING ^_^, June 15, 2011
By
Barbara A Clay
I have only been taking Dong Quai for only a week now but I had to share what had happened when I first started taking this stuff. Originally I was looking for something for pain. I was having really bad headaches every single day. I was also having back pain and leg pain so bad I had trouble walking. The doctor believes I have fibromyalgia and he wants me to go see a specialist but I couldn't wait to see a specialist. I wanted pain relief now and pain meds was not helping.
Last week on my 15th wedding anniversary I was desperate. I wanted to enjoy the day but I was in too much pain so that morning before breakfast I decided to get some Dong Quai from the health store and see what happens. I didn't know what to expect but I felt I had nothing to loose. I took one pill with my breakfast and 10 minutes later my headache stopped. Within 30 minutes I had a huge rush of energy. At lunch time I took another pill and by that evening I was sooooo happy. What I mean is that my mind was relaxed. I could not believe what was happening. At first I thought it was a flook but the next day I had the same great feeling and no headaches. I never slept so good because I was always in pain. I slept like a baby and I will wake up ready to go. lol ok I have to say this...I am menstruating right now and I am happy rofl. No cramps, no headaches and no PMS crazy moments rofl just happy. I am never happy this time of the month rofl.
It's been a week now. I take 1 pill with every meal and I feel wonderful... Do your research peeps before taking this and if you try it start slowly. I would recommend this to any one.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars ...is this for real !, January 26, 2011
By
A. Mcindoe... (SCOTLAND)
I have written this under this title as I am feeling better than I have in years after using these tablets for just a few weeks. I am nearly 40 and have been struggling with rotten PMS which has been for 2 weeks out of every month, my symptoms have been severe fatigue, brain fog and irritability amongst other crappy things. As I said before I have only taken these for a few weeks but have noticed my tiredness has lifted, my concentration has greatly improved and I feel much better overall and happier obviously. Its amazing and I am just hoping the bubble is not going to burst. Hopefully not and I will definitely continue to take these...
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Product, June 15, 2009
By
Lisa Meyer
This supplement has helped me to bounce back from extreme fatigue. At 46, I feel symptoms due to hormonal changes and I find that this product has made me feel more balanced throughout the month. I recommend it to anyone who knows their hormones are out of whack!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for Female Issues, December 12, 2008
By
M. Cox
I've been taking this for two months now. You don't take Dong Quai during your menstrual cycle, but before and after, and it really helps with eliminating PMS and cramps. The pills are great if you don't mind taking quite a few of them, otherwise look for a tincture.
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