Angelica archangelica

Angelica archangelica [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Angelica_archangelica_002.JPG

Common name: 

Senna Pods 
(Hoffman, 1983, p.175).  

 

Latin binomial:

Angelica arcangelica
(Hoffman, 1983 p.231).

 

Family:

Apiaceae

Parts used:

Roots and leaves are used medicinally; the steams and leaves are used in confectionery (Hoffman, p. 1983, 175).  

 

Active contituents:

• Essential oils including phellandrene and pinene, 
• Angelica acid, 
• Coumarin compounds
• Bitter principle
• Tannin 

(Hoffman, 1983, p. 175).  

Actions:

• Carminative
• Anti-spasmodic
• Expectorant
• Diuretic
• Diaphoretic 

(Hoffman, 1983, p.175). 

 

Indications:

Angelica is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by a fever, cold or influenza (Hoffman, 1983, p.175). The leaf can be used as a compress in inflammations in the chest (Hoffman, 1983, p.175). Its content of carminative essential oil explains its use easing intestinal colic and flatulence (Hoffman, 1983, p.175). As a digestive agent it stimulates appetite and may be used in anorexia nervosa (Hoffman, 1983, p.175). It has also been shown to help ease rheumatic inflammations (Hoffman, 1983, p.175).

Contraindications: 

 None known 

Dosage:

Infusion: put a teaspoon of the cut root in a cup of water, bring it to the boil and simmer for two minutes. Take it off the heat and let it stand for 15 minutes. Take 1 cup three times a day (Hoffman, 1983, p.175). Tincture: Take 2-5ml of the tincture three times a day   (Hoffman, 1983, p.175).

Combinations: 

For bronchial problems it combines well with coltsfoot and white horehound; for digestion, flactuence and loss of appetite chamomile (Hoffman, 1983, p.175).

References:

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.