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Angelica
Angelica archangelica
Umbelliferae
Citations
Names : European angelica.
Collection : The root is collected in the autumn of its first year. If
it is very thick it can be cut longitudinally to speed its drying. The
leaves should be collected in June.
Part Used : Roots and leaves are used medicinally, the stems and seeds
are used in confectionery.
Constituents : o Volatile oils obtained mainly from the root and seeds,
have a similar composition consisting of a range of terpenes, mainly b-phellandrene,
with b-bisabolene, b-caryophyllene, a-phellandrene, a- and b-pinene,
limonene, linalool, borneol, acetaldehyde, menthadienes and
nitromenthadienes.
o Macrocyclic lactones including tridecanolide, l2-methyl tridecanolide,
pentadecanolide.
o Phthalates such as hexamethylphthalate.
o Coumarins, especially furocoumarin glycosides such as marmesin and
apterin.
o Angelicin and byakangelicin derivatives, osthol, umbelliferone,
psoralen, bergapten, imperatoren, xanthotoxol, xanthotoxin,
oxypeucedanin and more.
o Misc. sugars, plant acids, flavonoids and sterols.
Actions : Astringent, tonic, diuretic, vulnerary, cholagogue,
anti-inflammatory.
Indications : This herb is a useful expectorant for coughs, bronchitis
and pleurisy, especially when they are accompanied by fever, colds or
influenza. The leaf can be used as a compress in inflammations of the
chest. It content of carminative essential oil explains its use easing
intestinal colic and flatulence. As a digestive agent it stimulates
appetite and may be used in anorexia nervosa. It has been shown to help
ease rheumatic inflammations. In cystitis it acts as a urinary
antiseptic. Angelica is used frequently as a flavoring; in liqueurs such
as chartreuse and benedictine, in gin and vermouth; the leaves as a
garnish or in salads; and the candied stalks in cakes and pudding.
Combinations : For bronchial problems it combines well with Coltsfoot
and White Horehound; for indigestion, flatulence and loss of appetite
with Chamomile. In Musculo-skeletal problems it may be used with herbs
such as Black Cohosh, Willow Bark and Bogbean.
Preparations & Dosage : Decoction: put a teaspoonful 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 l5 minutes. Take one cup three
times a day. Tincture: Take 2-5 ml of the tincture three times a day.
The herbalist by David Hoffman, (c)1993 David Hoffman, Hopkins
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