Angelica species
Angelica Species
Angelica species are biennial or perennial plants with hollow
fluted stems that rise to a height of three to seven feet. The
umbels of greenish-white flowers bloom from May to August. The
plants are found in damp mountain ravines and meadows,
riverbanks and coastal areas. Angelica is also a widely
cultivated species. In Asia, Angelica species is grown primarily
for it's medicinal action, whereas in Europe and the U.S. it is
grown as a flavoring agent for food and beverages. Considering
all species, the roots and rhizomes are the most extensively
used portions of the plant.
History of Angelica Species
In Asia, angelica's reputation is perhaps second only to that of
ginseng. Predominantly regarded as a female remedy, Angelica
species has been used to treat such conditions as dysmenorrhea
(painful menstruation), amenorrhea (absence of menstruation),
metrorrhagia (abnormal menstruation), and menopausal symptoms.
Archangelica was used in northern Europe for protection against
contagion, for purifying the blood, and for curing every
conceivable malady. The therapeutic use of American angelica
mirrors that of European angelica. The most common use has been
for the treatment of heartburn and flatulent colic. Chinese and
Japanese angelica are similarly composed of various coumarins,
essential oils, and flavonoids, which are responsible for their
medicinal actions. The essential oil of oriental angelica
contains n-butylphthalide, cadinene, carvacrol, n-dodecanal,
isosafrole, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, safrole,
sesquiterpene, and n-tetradecanol. Angelica species is remedy
for
Menstrual and menopausal complaints Asthma Bronchitis Toothache
Skin Lice
Angelica is a warming and tonic remedy and is useful in a wide
range of illnesses. All parts of the plant will help to relieve
indigestion, gas, and colic. Angelica species can be helpful in
cases of poor circulation since it improves blood flow to
peripheral parts of the body. Extracts of Chinese angelica have
been shown to possess antibacterial activity whereas the
Japanese counterpart showed no such properties. The oil of
angelica archangelica has shown significant antifungal
properties, but virtually no antibacterial activity. Like it's
Chinese and European cousins, Bai Zhi, or angelica dahurica, is
given for problems attributed to damp and cold conditions such
as sores, boils, and ulcers affecting the skin. Bai Zhi is also
used to treat headaches, aching eyes, and toothaches, and
appears to be valuable in treating the facial pain of trigeminal
neuralgia. Although not used historically for this purpose,
angelica does possess significant blood pressure-lowering
action.
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Detail About Angelica Species