Energetics: spicy, bitter, warm
Meridians: lung, stomach, intestines
Part Used: root [also seed(5), essential oil(6), and whole plant(4)]
Properties: carminative, stimulant, emmenagouge, diaphoretic (9)
Functions:
1. Stimulates digestion, warms the middles, resolves mucous damp and relieves fullness; stimulates appetite and relieves fatigue
2. Promotes expectoration, resolves phlegm and relieves coughing; circulates the qi, opens the chest and relieves wheezing
3. Promotes sweating, dispels wind/damp/cold and relieves pain; opens the sinuses and removes lymph congestion
4. Promotes menstruation and labor, and expels the afterbirth; increases estrogen
5. Tonifies urogenital qi, harmonizes urination, relieves irritation and stops discharge
6. Stimulates immunity, reduces infection and antidotes poison; reduces contusion (6)
Angelica is a genius of the Umbeliferae or Apiaceae family. There are 50 species known worldwide and 21 species in North America.(3) A. archangelica is from Europe and parts of Asia.(2,5) Grieve wrote that some botanists believed it was native to Syria and was naturalized in Europe.(4) It is most commonly recognized as the main medicinal species in “Western” herbalism.(2,4,5,6,9, 10) It was also known as Archangelica officinalis at some point.(4,10) The Chinese commonly use several species of Angelica. A. sinensis and A. polymorpha are known as “Dong Quai” and are used somewhat differently than the “Western” angelicas.(9) Another group of species, A. dahurica, A. anomala, and A. taiwaniana, also find special use in Chinese medicine.(1) They are used differently than the Dong Quai species and, although they seem to have the same qualities as “Western” species, the focus of their use is somewhat different than the western species. Another species, A. pubescens, was also used by the Chinese.(8) In Pennsylvania we have three wild species, A. atropurpurea, A. triquinata, and A. venenosa, that are apparently native.(7; page 137) I have seen A. archangelica cultivated in the area and assume that many other species can be grown.
Christopher Hobbs wrote that he has used several wild American species of angelica with good results (he mentions A. hendersonii, a common plant on the Pacific coast), stating they appear to have excellent potential but need more clinical testing.(5) He does not mention whether any are not useful or to strong to use (poisonous). One of Pennsylvania’s species is known as A. venenosa or “deadly angelica” which makes me somewhat cautious to test them. Weiss explains how to tell A. archangelica from his local wild species, A. silvestris, indicating that he thought it important to do so for use, which is not suprizing as he explains that A. silvestris “lacks the penetrating aromatic fragrance” of A. archangelica.(10) Holmes, however, lists A. sylvestris (spelled slightly differently, but presumably the same as silvestris) along with A. archangelica and A. purpurea as plants used as the medicine “angelica”. The aromatic quality of angelica is largely what indicates its usefulness as a warming bitter, diaphoretic, and Chi moving herb. (From this point on, “angelica” will refer to A. archangelica or any therapeutically similar species, unless stated otherwise- Dong Quai is treated as a different herb.)
Angelica contains a complex volatile oil, which is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.(5) The volatile oil is 80-90% monoterpene hydrocarbons such as B-phellandrene (13-38%), a-phellandrene (2-14%), and a-pinene (14-31%).(4) Others include bisabolene, limonene, caryophyllene, borneol, linalool, acetylaldehyde, menthadienes, and nitromenthadienes.(6) “The volatile oil has carminative properties, counteracting flatulence…”(10) The root contains 0.35-1.3 (6) or 1.9 (2) % of the volatile oil. “Under proper storage conditions, angelica root still loses approximately 0.05-0.10% volatile oil content per year… Shelf life for the cut or sliced root is maximum 18 months and for the powdered root only 24 hours.”(2) The oil is also distilled for use from the seed, leaf, or root and has a greater diaphoretic, relaxant, and diuretic effect than the whole form.(6)
Angelica is also rich in coumarins, which are anti-coagulant compounds.(5)…
Angelica has a long history of use in Western herbalism (also Native Americans used various species for colds and digestive problems and the Chinese, a was already mentioned, made use of them).(5)
[Angelica’s] virtues are praised by old writers, and the name itself, as well as the folk-lore of all North European countries and nations, testify to the great antiquity of a belief in its merits as a protection against contagion, for purifying the blood, and for curing every conceivable malady; it was held a sovereign remedy for poisons, agues and all infectious maladies. In courland, Livonia and the low lakelands of Pomerania and East Prussia, wild-growing Angelica abounds; there, in early summer-time, it has been the custom among the peasants to march into the towns carrying the Angelica flower-stems and to offer them for sale, chanting some ancient ditty in Lettish words, so antiquated as to be unintelligible even to the singers themselves. The chanted words and the tune are learnt in childhood, and may be attributed to a survival of some Pagan festival with which the plant was originally associated. After the introduction of Christianity, the plant became linked in the popular mind with some archangelic patronage, and associated with the spring-time festival of the Annunciation. According to one legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague. Another explanation of the name of this plant is that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8, old style), and is on that account a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft; all parts of the plant were believed efficacious against spells and enchantment. It was held in such esteem that it was called “the Root of the Holy Ghost”. (4)
By the fifteenth century, angelica was in popular use in Europe for bronchial illnesses, colds, coughs, and stomach disorders, and was reported in a 1629 publication to be one of the most important medicinal herbs.(2) Grieve wrote in 1931 that angelica was good for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, rheumatism, urinary diseases, and feverish conditions and she reported historical use for typhoid and dog bites.(4)
Today angelica root and seed are used in European bitter tonics, often with gentian, orange peel, rhubarb, centuary, artichoke, cardamom, licorice, and others.(5) It is official in the German Pharmacopeia, approved by the German Commission E for loss of appetite, peptic discomforts such as mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, feeling of fullness, and flatulence.(2) And, of course, herbalists in North America and elsewhere have been integrating the various traditions and theories of using angelica from around the planet into a practical understanding of the plant and the indications for its use.
Holmes considers angelica pungent, bitter, sweet, warm, dry, stimulating, dispersing, relaxing, decongesting, dissolving, and restoring, with an effect on the lungs, intestines, stomach, urinary organs, uterus, head, and the Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine, Chong, and Ren meridians.(6) Lesley Tierra considers A. archangelica warm, acrid, bitter, diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative, stimulant, emmenagogue, antiseptic, and diuretic, with an effect on the Lungs, Stomach, and Intestines.(8) (She also lists properties of two other species, which will be discussed later.) She considers the indications for A. archangelica to be colds, flu, pleurisy, other lung diseases, rheumatism, menstrual disorders from coldness, and arthritis.(8) Michael Tierra writes that angelica “is used in treating colds and flu. It induces sweating, warms the body, promotes menses, and also is used for cold digestion.”
Peter Holmes organizes the various Western and Chinese indications for angelica under six different functions. These six functions were listed at the beginning of this paper and will be explored below along with their indications. According to Holmes angelica “stimulates digestion, warms the middles, resolves mucous damp and relieves fullness; stimulates appetite and relieves fatigue”, which is indicated by stomach cold, intestines cold (Spleen Yang Deficiency), and mucus damp (Spleen damp).(6)
BIBLIOGRAPHY (the page numbers listed refer to the main monographs – information cited otherwise is followed by the page number in the text)
1 Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble Chinese Herbal Medicine (pages 42-44 & 474-476)
2 Mark Blumenthal Herbal Medicine (pages 3-6)
3 Thomas J. Elpel Botany In A Day
4 Mrs. M Grieve A Modern Herbal (pages 35-40)
5 Christopher Hobbs Foundations Of Health (pages 210-213)
6 Peter Holmes The Energetics of Western Herbs (pages 372-374)
7 Ann Fowler Rhoads and Timothy A. Block The Plants Of Pennsylvania
8 Lesly Tierra Healing With The Herbs Of Life (pages 48-49)
9 Michael Tierra Planetary Herbology (pages 148-149 and 312)
10 Rudolf Fritz Weiss Herbal Medicine (pages 46-47)
Meridians: lung, stomach, intestines
Part Used: root [also seed(5), essential oil(6), and whole plant(4)]
Properties: carminative, stimulant, emmenagouge, diaphoretic (9)
Functions:
1. Stimulates digestion, warms the middles, resolves mucous damp and relieves fullness; stimulates appetite and relieves fatigue
2. Promotes expectoration, resolves phlegm and relieves coughing; circulates the qi, opens the chest and relieves wheezing
3. Promotes sweating, dispels wind/damp/cold and relieves pain; opens the sinuses and removes lymph congestion
4. Promotes menstruation and labor, and expels the afterbirth; increases estrogen
5. Tonifies urogenital qi, harmonizes urination, relieves irritation and stops discharge
6. Stimulates immunity, reduces infection and antidotes poison; reduces contusion (6)
Angelica is a genius of the Umbeliferae or Apiaceae family. There are 50 species known worldwide and 21 species in North America.(3) A. archangelica is from Europe and parts of Asia.(2,5) Grieve wrote that some botanists believed it was native to Syria and was naturalized in Europe.(4) It is most commonly recognized as the main medicinal species in “Western” herbalism.(2,4,5,6,9, 10) It was also known as Archangelica officinalis at some point.(4,10) The Chinese commonly use several species of Angelica. A. sinensis and A. polymorpha are known as “Dong Quai” and are used somewhat differently than the “Western” angelicas.(9) Another group of species, A. dahurica, A. anomala, and A. taiwaniana, also find special use in Chinese medicine.(1) They are used differently than the Dong Quai species and, although they seem to have the same qualities as “Western” species, the focus of their use is somewhat different than the western species. Another species, A. pubescens, was also used by the Chinese.(8) In Pennsylvania we have three wild species, A. atropurpurea, A. triquinata, and A. venenosa, that are apparently native.(7; page 137) I have seen A. archangelica cultivated in the area and assume that many other species can be grown.
Christopher Hobbs wrote that he has used several wild American species of angelica with good results (he mentions A. hendersonii, a common plant on the Pacific coast), stating they appear to have excellent potential but need more clinical testing.(5) He does not mention whether any are not useful or to strong to use (poisonous). One of Pennsylvania’s species is known as A. venenosa or “deadly angelica” which makes me somewhat cautious to test them. Weiss explains how to tell A. archangelica from his local wild species, A. silvestris, indicating that he thought it important to do so for use, which is not suprizing as he explains that A. silvestris “lacks the penetrating aromatic fragrance” of A. archangelica.(10) Holmes, however, lists A. sylvestris (spelled slightly differently, but presumably the same as silvestris) along with A. archangelica and A. purpurea as plants used as the medicine “angelica”. The aromatic quality of angelica is largely what indicates its usefulness as a warming bitter, diaphoretic, and Chi moving herb. (From this point on, “angelica” will refer to A. archangelica or any therapeutically similar species, unless stated otherwise- Dong Quai is treated as a different herb.)
Angelica contains a complex volatile oil, which is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.(5) The volatile oil is 80-90% monoterpene hydrocarbons such as B-phellandrene (13-38%), a-phellandrene (2-14%), and a-pinene (14-31%).(4) Others include bisabolene, limonene, caryophyllene, borneol, linalool, acetylaldehyde, menthadienes, and nitromenthadienes.(6) “The volatile oil has carminative properties, counteracting flatulence…”(10) The root contains 0.35-1.3 (6) or 1.9 (2) % of the volatile oil. “Under proper storage conditions, angelica root still loses approximately 0.05-0.10% volatile oil content per year… Shelf life for the cut or sliced root is maximum 18 months and for the powdered root only 24 hours.”(2) The oil is also distilled for use from the seed, leaf, or root and has a greater diaphoretic, relaxant, and diuretic effect than the whole form.(6)
Angelica is also rich in coumarins, which are anti-coagulant compounds.(5)…
Angelica has a long history of use in Western herbalism (also Native Americans used various species for colds and digestive problems and the Chinese, a was already mentioned, made use of them).(5)
[Angelica’s] virtues are praised by old writers, and the name itself, as well as the folk-lore of all North European countries and nations, testify to the great antiquity of a belief in its merits as a protection against contagion, for purifying the blood, and for curing every conceivable malady; it was held a sovereign remedy for poisons, agues and all infectious maladies. In courland, Livonia and the low lakelands of Pomerania and East Prussia, wild-growing Angelica abounds; there, in early summer-time, it has been the custom among the peasants to march into the towns carrying the Angelica flower-stems and to offer them for sale, chanting some ancient ditty in Lettish words, so antiquated as to be unintelligible even to the singers themselves. The chanted words and the tune are learnt in childhood, and may be attributed to a survival of some Pagan festival with which the plant was originally associated. After the introduction of Christianity, the plant became linked in the popular mind with some archangelic patronage, and associated with the spring-time festival of the Annunciation. According to one legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the plague. Another explanation of the name of this plant is that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8, old style), and is on that account a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft; all parts of the plant were believed efficacious against spells and enchantment. It was held in such esteem that it was called “the Root of the Holy Ghost”. (4)
By the fifteenth century, angelica was in popular use in Europe for bronchial illnesses, colds, coughs, and stomach disorders, and was reported in a 1629 publication to be one of the most important medicinal herbs.(2) Grieve wrote in 1931 that angelica was good for colds, coughs, pleurisy, wind, colic, rheumatism, urinary diseases, and feverish conditions and she reported historical use for typhoid and dog bites.(4)
Today angelica root and seed are used in European bitter tonics, often with gentian, orange peel, rhubarb, centuary, artichoke, cardamom, licorice, and others.(5) It is official in the German Pharmacopeia, approved by the German Commission E for loss of appetite, peptic discomforts such as mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, feeling of fullness, and flatulence.(2) And, of course, herbalists in North America and elsewhere have been integrating the various traditions and theories of using angelica from around the planet into a practical understanding of the plant and the indications for its use.
Holmes considers angelica pungent, bitter, sweet, warm, dry, stimulating, dispersing, relaxing, decongesting, dissolving, and restoring, with an effect on the lungs, intestines, stomach, urinary organs, uterus, head, and the Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine, Chong, and Ren meridians.(6) Lesley Tierra considers A. archangelica warm, acrid, bitter, diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative, stimulant, emmenagogue, antiseptic, and diuretic, with an effect on the Lungs, Stomach, and Intestines.(8) (She also lists properties of two other species, which will be discussed later.) She considers the indications for A. archangelica to be colds, flu, pleurisy, other lung diseases, rheumatism, menstrual disorders from coldness, and arthritis.(8) Michael Tierra writes that angelica “is used in treating colds and flu. It induces sweating, warms the body, promotes menses, and also is used for cold digestion.”
Peter Holmes organizes the various Western and Chinese indications for angelica under six different functions. These six functions were listed at the beginning of this paper and will be explored below along with their indications. According to Holmes angelica “stimulates digestion, warms the middles, resolves mucous damp and relieves fullness; stimulates appetite and relieves fatigue”, which is indicated by stomach cold, intestines cold (Spleen Yang Deficiency), and mucus damp (Spleen damp).(6)
BIBLIOGRAPHY (the page numbers listed refer to the main monographs – information cited otherwise is followed by the page number in the text)
1 Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble Chinese Herbal Medicine (pages 42-44 & 474-476)
2 Mark Blumenthal Herbal Medicine (pages 3-6)
3 Thomas J. Elpel Botany In A Day
4 Mrs. M Grieve A Modern Herbal (pages 35-40)
5 Christopher Hobbs Foundations Of Health (pages 210-213)
6 Peter Holmes The Energetics of Western Herbs (pages 372-374)
7 Ann Fowler Rhoads and Timothy A. Block The Plants Of Pennsylvania
8 Lesly Tierra Healing With The Herbs Of Life (pages 48-49)
9 Michael Tierra Planetary Herbology (pages 148-149 and 312)
10 Rudolf Fritz Weiss Herbal Medicine (pages 46-47)
