Should you use angelica root? The answer depends on who you believe. There is little scientific evidence to back the claims for its benefits however, the fact that it has been used throughout the ages from peoples all over the planet surely warrants a closer look.
Angelica arch archangelica, Angelica officinalis are two synonymous names for the most common form of angelica. Dong quai, the Chinese version comes from the plant Angelica sinensis. Then there is Angelica purpoutrea which was used by the native Americans for its curative properties. There are other species such as Angelica Chinensis which have been therapeutically used but are not covered in this post.
Angelica archangelica
– The Europeans discovered the antibacterial properties of this herb while in the midst of the plague which was decimating the population. As time progressed, it was considered a cure all and today is used for:
- Stomach problems including stomach cancer and indigestion
- Muscle spasms
- Sores that won’t heal
- Insomnia
- Energy tonic
- Rheumatism
- Bronchitis
Angelica sinensis (dong quai)
– This is the Chinese herb for women. It, along with other species of angelica, has been used for thousands of years by the Chinese and is considered to be a female tonic. Angelica sinensis is used for:
- Maintaining youth
- General tonic that enhances the function of every organ in the body
- Treating nervous disorders
- Allergies
- Joints
- Lowering blood pressure
- Treating infections due to Angelica’s antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties
- Remedy for painful menstruation
- Remedy for the discomforts of menopause
Angelica purpoutrea
– This species of Angelica was used primarily for:
- Conditions of the stomach
- General tonic
- Cancer
- Colds that lingered too long
Warnings: Angelica should not be used if you are pregnant or diabetic unless you are under the supervision of a specialist in herbal medicine. Angelica is also phototoxic so care must be taken when using the essential oil in products that you apply to your skin. I suggest you use this in night creams that allow 12 hours before you expose treated skin to the sun.
Conclusion
The fact that so many people from around the world use the Angelica species for similar ailments speaks highly of the herb adds a lot of credibility to its benefits. I have used dong quai in capsule form for painful periods and it worked. I bought it for a friend of mine to try who lost work every month because of her painful periods. It worked for her too. Will it work for you? There’s only one way to find out. Give it a try.
Now go have fun and relax.
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