Angelica Archangelica Plant Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

The Angelica plant (Angelica archangelica, wild celery, Norweigan angelica) has been used for hundreds of years as a natural medicine.

Traditional uses for this popular herb include improving digestion, reducing anxiety, stimulating libido (sex drive), and generally increasing vitality and well-being.

Today, some people also use this herb for improving symptoms of erectile dysfunction, indigestion, arthritis-like pains, flatulence and hypertension (high blood pressure). [1][2][3]

There has not been a lot of human research conducted on this plant; its effects and mechanisms are not well understood. Some preliminary evidence suggests possible anti-cancer and cardio-protective benefits.

Angelica

Herbal Extract

Stomach Discomfort

Diuretic

Sexual Health

How It Works:

• Improved acid reflux & nausea
• Scavenges free radical molecules
• Pro-circulatory effects

Dosage:

1 mL three times daily

Safety:

Generall Regarded as Safe Status

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Angelica Plant Description

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM) states that Angelica is a genus of roughly 60 species of similar plants in the Apiaceae botanical family.

The most-studied species of Angelica, and the topic of this article is Angelica archangelica. Synonyms for A. archangelica include A. officinalis, A. sylvestris and A. curtisi. [1]

Angelica archangelica is described by Mother Earth News as, “Towering up to eight feet tall, with large, bright green, toothed leaves and clusters of fragrant, yellowish green flowers.”

This plant was previously considered one of the most powerful medicinal herbs and has a large variety of uses as a traditional remedy. [2]

According to Botanical.com, Angelica has: [3]

• Numerous yellow/green flowers bunched into globular umbels;
• Hollow, grooved footstalks that grow up to 3 feet in length;
• Long, thick, fleshy, spindle-shaped roots;
• ?-¼-inch pale-yellow oblong fruits;
• Bold, pleasant, bright-green foliage;
• Finely-serrated leaflets;

Angelica Archangelica vs. Angelica Sinensis

Do not confuse this with the plant Angelica sinensis which is sometimes called “female ginseng”, Dong Quai or Chinese Angelica.

This species of Angelica has been used as food and medicine in Japan, Korea and China for more than 1000 years. [1]

Dong Quai’s main therapeutic uses include improving female reproductive problems and stimulating circulation in men and women.

Chinese Angelica has been used for irregular menstruation, infrequent periods, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), cramping – and menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. [1]

Angelica archangelica and Angelica sinensis are different plants with different concentrations of active bioactive chemicals.

Although they may share some pharmacological similarities, they should not be considered interchangeable.

How does Angelica Work Inside the Body?

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that the parts of angelica that are used medicinally are the root, seed, and fruit. [4]

Angelica is comprised of various phytonutrients (plant chemicals) that demonstrate physiological effects in research.

Some of these are furanocoumarin constituents including angelicin, bergapten, imperatorin, and xanthotoxin. These can be photosensitizing; meaning they can make your eyes and skin more reactive to sunlight. [4]

The primary constituents of Angelica include roughly 1% each of volatile oil, valeric acid, angelic acid, terpenes like terebagelene, an unspecific “bitter principle”, methyl-ethylacetic acid, hydroxymyristic acid, and sugar. [3]

Unspecified constituents of Angelica seem to slow down intestinal peristalsis by reducing slow wave amplitude and frequency. [4]

In-vitro, coumarin compounds in Angelica are able to inhibit the aggregation of human blood platelets. [4]

A lactone called alpha-angelica in Angelica might have calcium antagonist effects. That means it might act to stop calcium from entering into cells in the heart and blood vessels; and thereby help to lower blood pressure. This constituent may cause effects similar to certain calcium channel blocker medications. [4]

Mayo Clinic states that prescription calcium channel blocker drugs help relax blood vessels so they can expand in diameter (vasodilation). Some calcium blockers are also able to help slow down rapid heartbeat, alleviate angina (chest pains) and restore irregular heart rhythms to normal. [5]

Preliminary evidence suggests that Angelica can protect the liver from chronic alcohol toxicity. This is thought to be due to antioxidant activities like free radical scavenging, inhibiting free radical formation, and slowing down membrane lipid peroxidation. [4]

According to early in vitro research studies, Angelica archangelica fruit extract that contains imperatorin and xanthotoxin furanocoumarins seems to inhibit cancer cells from proliferating.

That means this extract might be able to slow down the growth and progression of malignant cells. [4]

Xanthotoxin is also contained in Angelica leaf. Certain leaf extracts seem to have both antiproliferative and antitumor effects. [4]

However, there is not enough research available to say whether this plant could have benefits for the treatment of cancer in humans. The FDA has not approved the use of this herbal extract for cancer prevention or treatment.

Uses for Angelica Extract

Angelica has been used for various purposes for hundreds of years. Some of these include: [3]

• As a flavoring agent for confectionery and liqueurs;
• As an expectorant (increases sputum secretion);
• As a tonic to increase vigor and well-being;
• As a diaphoretic (induces perspiration);
• As a carminative (relieves flatulence);
• As a stomachic (benefits stomach);
• As a stimulant;

Herbalists often recommend Angelica for coughs, flatulence, colds, colic (intestinal gas and/or obstruction), pleurisy (inflamed pleurae), rheumatism (inflamed joints/fibrous tissue), and urinary organ diseases.

Some people use Angelica as a stimulating expectorant to benefit the entire pulmonary system. It is sometimes used along with other substances or medicines that have expectorant effects. [3]

Because Angelica is thought of as a diaphoretic (induces perspiration), it is often used to “sweat out” fevers. [3]

In the mid 1300s, Angelica was considered a supreme remedy for a bacterial infection that killed tens of millions in Europe alone called the Black Death (bubonic plague). [2]

As it has been for centuries, Angelica continues to be used for treating bronchitis, chest complaints, anemia – and as both a general digestive aid, and a general tonic. [2]

Angelica leaf tea is used to wash the eyes and refresh the skin. It is also added to baths to benefit the nerves. [2]

Some people with chronic gout (uric acid-induced arthritis) and/or rheumatism use Angelica compresses to help relieve pain, swelling and stiffness. [2]

Angelica is also reputed to make alcoholics less likely to consume liquor. It is used as tea in alcoholics to turn them against drinking. Interestingly, it is also used a flavoring agent in numerous alcoholic products. [2]

In addition to the uses listed above, NMCD reports that angelica is also used orally (by mouth) for: [4]

• As an antiseptic (prevents growth of pathogenic microbes);
• As a diuretic to increase urine production in the kidneys;
• Dyspepsia (indigestion) and loss of appetite;
• As an abortifacient (induces abortion);
• Respiratory catarrh (“runny nose”)
• For inducing menstrual flow;
• Peripheral vascular diseases;

NMCD states that angelica is also used orally for arthritis, insomnia and nervousness.

Applied topically in creams or ointments, Angelica is used for pain, swelling, redness and stiffness associated with rheumatic conditions. It is also used topically for various skin conditions – and for neuralgia (intense nerve pain). [4]

Note that many of the traditional and anecdotal uses for this natural plant medicine have not been validated by human research studies.

NMCD reports that there is no single medicinal use for Angelica that has been substantiated by reliable research.

Angelica Plant Health Benefits

NMCD rates effectiveness of herbs and supplements in specific health conditions. Each substance can be rated Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective or Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate.

Angelica is not rated Effective or Likely Effective for any condition or purpose. However it is rated Possibly Effective for two conditions: dyspepsia and premature ejaculation. [4]

Angelica for Dyspepsia:

Often called indigestion, dyspepsia can be defined as pain or discomfort in the stomach associated with difficulty in digesting food.

Two studies suggest that a certain angelica-containing combination product called Iberogast (Medical Futures, Inc) can improve dyspepsia symptoms. [4]

This product contains other herbs like peppermint, German chamomile, licorice, milk thistle, lemon balm, caraway, and others. It is not possible to attribute the dyspepsia improvements to angelica alone.

In a meta-analysis, it was suggested that using 1 mL Iberogast, 3 times daily for 4 weeks significantly improves cramping, epigastric pain, acid reflux severity, nausea and vomiting, relative to placebo effects. [4]

Anjelica Premature ejaculation:

In one placebo-controlled human study, a multi-ingredient product called SS Cream (Cheil Jedang Corporation) significantly improved ejaculatory latency.

This product was applied to the penis about an hour before intercourse was desired, and then washed off prior to intercourse. [4]

SS Cream also contains ingredients like Panax ginseng, cinnamon, clove and toad venom. The beneficial effects cannot be attributed to angelica alone.

Additional Uses of Angelica Tablets:

According to WebMD, some of the other conditions that angelica root has been studied for include: [6]

• Menstrual disorders like dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation);
• Increasing production of urine and urination frequency;
• Neuralgia, especially in the face and/or head;
• Edema (swelling due to fluid retention);
• Arthritis-like bone and joint pain;
• Gastrointestinal cramping;
• Inducing sweating;

More research is needed to rate the effectiveness of Angelica supplements for all health conditions, traditional uses and other purposes. You should discuss using this product for specific health problems or conditions with your healthcare provider.

Angelica Plant Foods

The fluted, hollow stems of Angelica, along with heavy amounts of sugar, are used to make candy.

The seeds of angelica plants are used as flavoring agents in various types of alcoholic beverages like Vermouth, gin, Chartreuse and Rhine wines. [2]

Angelica leaves are used in various culinary dishes to add unique flavors to chicken, fish, soups and stews. Stems can be chopped and cooked like asparagus – or used with rhubarb, apples or other ingredients to make jams, preserves, marmalades, salsas and chutneys. [2]

Angelica Plant Supplements

Angelica extract supplements come in several forms – including alcohol/water tinctures, liquid extracts, powders, pills, capsules, teas and whole plant parts.

NMCD states that there are 376 different dietary supplements that contain Angelica plant parts, or essential oils. Be sure to select organic, non-GMO products that have been verified by a third party.

The entire plant can be wild-harvested in late June or early July. However, it is very important to know the differences between Angelica and water hemlock; a highly poisonous plant that looks very similar.

Moderation is advised when using this supplement because excessive doses might affect respiration, blood pressure and/or the action of the heart muscle.

Angelica Dosage

Angelica use is not regulated and there are no typical doses for this traditional medicine.

Always follow dosing instructions on any Angelica supplement you purchase, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Angelica Plant Side Effects

NMCD states that angelica could cause photosensitivity reactions; meaning they might make the face and skin more sensitive to sunlight exposure.

If you use an Angelica root supplement, either oral or topical, you should avoid long periods of sun exposure. Consider using a sunblocker if you have to be outside in the sunlight for a long time.

In some cases, men who used SS Cream for premature ejaculation experienced:

• Sporadic ED (erectile dysfunction);
• Excessively delayed ejacuation;
• Local irritation and/or burning;
• Mild pain;

Talk with your healthcare provider if you have ED and think angelica might be beneficial.

WebMD states that angelica root seems to be safe for most people, when used in amounts found in common diets. There is not enough data to determine if angelical is safe in medicinal amounts, or with long-term usage.

In Canada, A. archangelica is not permitted to be used in food products.

Used short-term as a topical cream, angelica extract seems to be safe for most healthy adults.

Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use angelica supplements. It has been used traditionally to stimulate menstruation, and cause abortions. It can cause uterine contractions and could terminate pregnancy.

There is not enough data concerning the safety of angelica tablets during breastfeeding to make determinations. Women who are breastfeeding are advised to avoid usage.

Angelica Interactions

NMCD states that there are no known interactions between Angelica supplements and foods, herbs, supplements, drugs, laboratory tests, or diseases.

This does not mean that interactions cannot occur, but rather that there has not been enough human research conducted on this plant to identify potential negative interactions.

As with all dietary supplements, it is best to discuss using angelica with your doctor before beginning. Be sure to talk about all the medications you may use, and any serious health conditions you have.

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