Angelica Archangelica – Health Benefits, Uses, Research, Preparation, Precautions

How to Prepare Angelica for Medicinal Use

Commercial preparations of angelica are available as capsules, teas, pills, and tinctures. Angelica may be purchased as a single herb or as part of an herbal blend. Consult with an herbalist; or read and follow the product label directions carefully as recommended amounts vary with the concentration of the herb.

The root is generally considered to be the most potent plant part; however, I use the entire plant successfully. When I prepare angelica for topical use, I use the leaves and stems.

Herbal experts Merrily A. Kuhn RN PhD and David Winston RH AHG, note that cut and sifted dried angelica root has a shelf life of twelve to eighteen months, while the powdered root is only usable for twenty four hours.

To make a decoction, combine 1 cupful of water with one teaspoonful of dried angelica root. Bring the blend to a boil. Cover the pan and let the blend simmer for two minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Let the decoction sit undisturbed for fifteen minutes. Strain out and compost the spent herb. Drink one cup of the tea three times daily.

Precautions

Angelica is generally well tolerated. No serious drug interactions have been reported; however, in theory, the herb could potentially interact with blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin.

People who use angelica may become photosensitive. Photosensitivity increases the chance of being sunburned. Use a strong sun block and limit time in strong sunlight.
Do not use tanning beds or tanning booths. Avoid the use of angelica if you are undergoing radiation treatments.

Pregnant women should not use angelica as it can stimulate contractions. Europeans have recommended the use of angelica in small amounts for small children and breast feeding women for many years.

Herbalists Kuhn and Winston record that the herb is likely safe for long term use.

References

http://abc.herbalgram.org

Kuhn, M.A. and Winston, D. Herbal Therapy and Supplements. Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins.2001

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in 2015 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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