Angelica as a Natural Remedy
Description: Angelica is a plant which grows one to two feet tall, and has bright green serrated leaves and greenish-yellow flowers.
Part used: The entire plant is used in herbal medicine.
Where found: This herb is native to the Middle East, but also grows well in pots for indoor use.
Traditional uses: This herb is a natural remedy for colic, gas, sour stomach, and heartburn. It also improves circulation, warms the body, and relieves spasms of the stomach and bowels. It is also a good herb to add to treatments for lung diseases, coughs, colds, and fevers.
It is also used extensively in treatments for angina and high blood pressure. It contains fifteen compounds that act like calcium channel blockers, which is a standard treatment for angina and high blood pressure.
Other considerations: This herb is a strong emmenagogue (as substance that induces menstruation) and should not be taken by pregnant women.
People with diabetes should also avoid taking this herb due to its ability to cause weakness.
It also may increase sensitivity to sunlight and is potentially toxic.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
Encyclopedia.com