Angelica: benefits and contraindications

Angelica is a plant that provides great health benefits, but it also has side effects. Here we are going to analyze the angelica plant benefits and contraindications, but first let’s see its botanical aspect.

This plant is a fragrant, aromatic, biennial or short-lived perennial that grows to a height of 3.2 to 6.5 ft (1 – 2 m), including the flower head.

The plant has compound leaves that are made up of numerous small leaflets, divided into three main groups; a purplish, hollow stem; and a long, thick and fleshy root. It also has large globular umbels with small greenish-white flowers that bloom in July and August. The Angelica fruit is pale yellow in color and oblong.

Classification All Angelica species are part of the large family Apiaceae, more commonly known as the carrot family, which comprises about 300 genera and 3,000 species, mostly temperate herbs with umbellate inflorescences, such as anise (Pimpinella anisum), carrot (Daucus carota), celery (Apium graveolens), dill (Anethum graveolens), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), osha (Ligusticum porteri) and parsley (Petroselinum crispum).

Historic information Since the first settlement of the Faroe Islands and Iceland around the 10th century, angelica has been cultivated for human consumption. Icelandic law books even refer to the penalties incurred for angelica stealing from private gardens, some as serious as being heavily fined.

The herb continued in popularity as a cultivated plant and vegetable in the Faroe Islands, Iceland and parts of Norway until the early 20th century. Although its culinary application is currently reduced in these countries, some angelica gardens survive as relics of culture dating back to the Viking Age.

The most popular Angelica species, also known as true angelica or garden angelica, was named archangelica by the Swedish botanist and taxonomist Carl Linnaeus.

Today, it is widely cultivated in Central and Western Europe and is widely used as a seasoning for beverages and in herbal medicines.

popular beliefs Some believe that the popular and fragrant true angelica was coined Archangelica because it usually blooms around the feast of Archangel Michael. Others believe that it was revealed to the 14th century physician Mattheus Sylvaticus by the archangel himself as a medicinal plant, hence its botanical name Angelica archangelica.

In Viking tradition, the angelica was widely recognized as a symbol of fertility and was carried in wedding processions, with the largest always held by the bride.

In Iceland, garden angelica was planted in cemeteries to prevent septic viruses on dead bodies, and it can still be seen growing in cemeteries in the Faroe Islands. The herb is still believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Economic data Garden angelica is cultivated on a large scale in Germany and France for both herbal medicine and various alcoholic products. Other countries that grow angelica include Belgium, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, and Switzerland. Minor commercial production also exists in Iceland. In all of these countries, the herb is grown primarily for its root.

In 2013, the annual world production of angelica essential oil was 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg).

Other uses

Decor. Dried angelica heads are often used to create floral and floral arrangements.

Aromatherapy. Angelica leaves and stems are cut and dried and used as a fixative in potpourri. The seeds can also be burned to scent a room.

Personal care. Angelica essential oil is used in perfumes, aromatherapy, soaps, and shampoos.

Alcoholic beverages. Angelica roots and seeds are traditionally used in alcoholic liqueurs such as Benedictine, Chartreuse, and gin. Soaking a stem or leaf adds a subtle flavor to dry white wine before serving.

As a long-standing herb in Icelandic and Western European culture, Angelica has maintained its reputation over the years. Today, the angelica plant is still used, mainly for its diuretic and carminative properties. For anyone looking for healthier options, the angelica is worth the effort.

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Medicinal benefits of angelica

Angelica has been used as a long-standing remedy for a variety of ailments, including nervous headaches, fevers, skin rashes, wounds, rheumatism, and toothaches, among others.

Some traditional uses of the herb have been scrutinized by modern science. Studies suggest that angelica may be useful primarily for:

Increase urine output. The diuretic action of angelica can help remove harmful substances from the body, thus helping to treat and prevent gallstones as well as kidney stones. angelica benefits and contraindications

Improve gastrointestinal discomfort. Angelica’s carminative properties can help relieve indigestion, bloating, and flatulence, and its bitter taste is helpful in stimulating appetite.

Additionally, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, angelica is commonly used to relieve arthritic pain and inflammation.

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How does it work

Angelica contains bittering agents, essential oils, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenes that contribute to the vast majority of its medicinal health benefits.

The oil extracted from the fruits and roots of angelica is rich in coumarin, a phytochemical compound with diaphoretic, diuretic, and anticoagulant properties. Coumarin stimulates perspiration, which not only helps reduce fever, but also helps rid the body of toxins and bacteria through urine. angelica benefits and contraindications

Terpenes are volatile compounds found in angelica essential oil, mainly α-pinene, β-pinene, δ-3-carene, limonene, α-phellandrene, β-phellandrene and p-cymene, and have shown anti-inflammatory and antispasmodics. In addition, its carminative action helps to relieve flatulence and other digestive problems, and its antimicrobial effects help in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections.

On the other hand, angelica contains high amounts of flavonoids, which are antioxidants that prevent free radical damage to tissues, ultimately supporting cardiovascular health and relieving inflammation.

Diuretic properties can also be found in asparagus and celery, while anise, chamomile, and cloves are herbs that provide carminative effects.

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Contraindications and side effects of angelica

Angelica is generally recognized as safe for human consumption. However, the plant contains furocoumarins, which increase the photosensitivity of the skin. After consuming or using angelica, it is recommended to use sunscreen outside, especially for those with fair skin angelica benefits and contraindications

There isn’t enough information to know if angelica is safe when taken by mouth in normal medicinal amounts, and it appears to be harmless to most adults when used topically. However, when used in large doses, angelica can have problematic effects on cardiovascular function, coagulation, blood pressure, and respiration.

Because it is an emmenagogue, meaning it is used to cause uterine contractions and increase blood flow, angelica may not be safe during pregnancy as well as for patients scheduled for surgery.

There are no known drug interactions with angelica. However, before consuming the herb for therapeutic purposes, it is recommended to seek medical help.

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