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Angelica Herb - Uses And Side Effects

What is Angelica ?

A perennial plant in the parsley family, angelica is a Chinese herb whose roots, rhizomes (underground stems), fruits, and leaves are used medicinally. The many Angelica species include A. aeufiloba, A. archangeliea, A. atropurpurea, A. dahuriea, A. edulis, A. gigas, A. keiskei, A. koreana, A. polymorpha, A. pubeseens, A. radix, and A. sinensis.

Some authorities believe angelica may cause cancer. Such concerns led the International Fragrance Commission to recommend a limit of 0.78% angelica root in commercial preparations of suntan lotions.

Common dose of Angelica

Angelica is available as fluid extract, tincture, essential oil, or cut, dried, or powdered root. Experts disagree on what dose to take.

Why people use Angelica herb

• Anemia
• Asthma
• Backache
• Eczema
• Hay fever
• Headache
• Osteoporosis
• Poor arm and leg circulation

Side effects of Angelica

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of angelica:

• dizziness or a faint feeling (from low blood pressure).
• unusual skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use angelica while taking Coumadin (a blood thinner).

Important points to remember

• Don't use angelica if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Use this herb cautiously if you have diabetes.
• Call your health care practitioner if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising after using angelica - especially if you're taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin.
• Be aware that using angelica may pose a cancer risk.
• If you experience an allergic reaction after taking this herb, seek medical help promptly.
• Avoid direct sun exposure while using angelica.

What the research shows

In a study of young women with menstrual problems and vaginal discharge, angelica root extract (combined with several other Chinese herbs) helped regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the amount of discharge. However, the herb hasn't been 'Studied adequately in people. Although it's widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, Western medical experts don't recommend it for specific medicinal uses.

Other names for Angelica : -

Other names for Angelica include angelica root, angelique, dong quai, engelwurzel, garden angelica, root of the Holy Ghost and wild angelica.

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