Angelica

Common Name(s)

angelica, archangel, garden angelica, masterwort, wild angelica

Scientific Name(s)

Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae)

General Information

Angelica has a long history. It has been used specifically for digestive, respiratory, and women's reproductive problems and for diseases caused by microorganisms (e.g., bacteria). People have also used angelica as a food and perfume additive, and even candied angelica's leaves and stems for cake and pastry decorations.

How is this product usually used?

Angelica is available as roots and rhizomes (part of the stems), leaves, and seed (fruit). It is a herb that is taken orally (by mouth). In general, the doses are:

Root and rhizome

• dried root and rhizome: 0.6 g to 2 g, 3 times per day
• infusion: 0.6 g to 2 g dried root and rhizome, 3 times per day
• decoction: 1.5 g dried root and rhizome, 3 times per day.
• fluid extract: 0.5 g to 2 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day.
• tincture: 100 mg to 400 mg dried equivalent, 3 times per day

Leaf

• dried leaf: 2 g to 5 g, 3 times per day
• infusion: 2 g to 5 g dried leaf, 3 times per day
• fluid extract: 2 g to 5 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day
• tincture: 0.4 g to 1 g dried equivalent, 3 times per day

Seed (fruit)

• dried seed: 1 g to 2 g, 3 times per day

Your health care provider may have recommended using this product in other ways. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What is this product used for?

Angelica is used for:

• aiding digestion
• bronchial illness, coughs and colds
• dyspepsia and flatulence
• fevers, by inducing sweating
• increasing urine output (used as a diuretic)

Your health care provider may have recommended this product for other conditions. Contact a health care provider if you have questions.

What else should I be aware of?

More effective evidence is needed to show that angelica is helpful for uses including aiding digestion; relieving bronchial illness, coughs, and colds; treating flatulence and fevers; and increasing urine output.

Angelica may cause constipation. It may also make you more sensitive to sunlight. If you use angelica you should avoid prolonged sun exposure, wear sun block, and cover up with clothes (e.g., wear long sleeves, pants, hat).

If your symptoms persist or worsen after using angelica, you should consult your health care provider. If you have peptic ulcer disease, consult your health care provider before using angelica.

You should avoid using angelica if you are allergic to angelica or any other ingredient in an angelica combination product.

Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use angelica. Consult your health care provider if you have any questions.

Before taking any new medications, including natural health products, speak to your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider. Tell your health care provider about any natural health products that you may be taking.

Source(s)

• Health Canada. Drugs & Health Products. Monograph - Angelica. http://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/monoReq.do?id=33. (The dose recommendation from the most recent study was used when the ranges have discrepancy)
• Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Angelica.