For unmarry’d women [with] suppression of the courses…take belly-ache root [angelica] a week before you expect to be out of order, repeat the same two days after, the next morning drink a quarter of a pint of pennyroyal water.
-Everyman his Own Doctor: The Poor Planter’s Physician, 1763
AKA: Angelica, wild celery, archangel, bellyache root, masterwort, dead nettle, purple angelica, and dong quai.
Parts Used: Root, leaves, flower tops, and seeds.
Medicinal Properties: Leaves and Flower tops: Aromatic, antimutagenic, antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, and stimulant. Root and seeds: Abortifacient, antimutagenic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, and stomachic.
Effects on the Body: Soothes digestive and respiratory system, stimulates circulation and heart, and regulates menses. Angelica can relax or contract smooth muscle, depending on preparation.
Abortifacient Action: Estrogenic and oxytocic.
Contains: Abortifacient chemicals beta-bisabolene and phytoestrogen beta-sitosterol.
Description: Angelica is tall 4 - 9 ft. (1.3 – 2.7 m) with a 3 ft. (1 m) spread. It is biennial, with white to green sweet-smelling flowers, blooming from June to August in large globe-shaped umbels, 2 – 6 in. (5 – 15 cm) across. Angelica flowers are followed by oblong seedpods each containing two yellow winged seeds that have a licorice-like flavor. Angelica has a smooth, hollow, sometimes-purple stem and pinnate compound leaves with three coarsely toothed oval leaflets that are sometimes further divided into three or five. The root is branched, 3 - 6 in. (7.5 - 15 cm) long and less than an inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Angelica is seen growing in or near steam banks, marshes, moist fields, and mountain brooks.
Angelica’s use by women to treat menstrual irregularities is widespread. A North American variety of angelica, Angelica atropurpurea, ‘root tonic’ was used by Native American Cherokee women for obstructed menses.[125] The early woman colonists from Europe are recorded as having used angelica root decoction’s strong emmenagogual properties to promote menstrual flow and produce abortion. Angelica sinensis, dong quai, sometimes called ‘female ginseng,’ has been used since the dawn of history by Chinese wise-women as a tonic for nearly all gynecological problems. Angelica root decoction syrup is used by midwives who give a tablespoon dose after childbirth. The placenta is said to arrive 10 minutes later.[126] European Angelica archangelica has been used as a uterine stimulant, as well, to remedy prolonged labor and retention of the placenta.
Spiritually, angelica has been held to be significant in many cultures. Angelica archangelica is native to Northern Europe. Its Christianized name, meaning ‘angelic herb,’ hints at angelica’s ancient use in Nordic medicine.[127] Blooming around May 8th, the feast day of St. Michael the Archangel, this angelica came to be known as the root of the Holy Ghost. Its properties are said to have been revealed to a Catholic monk by the Holy Ghost and have the power to protect against evil spirits, witchcraft, poisons and plague. Interestingly, babies conceived as a result of sexual orgies were said to be begotten by the Holy Ghost.[128] Mothers, in the European Dark Ages, made protective necklaces of angelica leaves for their children to wear. Native Americans of the Arkansas tribe mixed the indigenous angelica root with their ceremonial tobacco.
Chinese herbal research scientist, Kee Chang Huang, notes the water soluble component of the dong quai, Angelica sinensis, root causes stimulation of the uterus, while the alcohol soluble essential oil exerts an inhibiting or relaxing effect on the uterus. In addition, the alcohol-soluble essential oil has been found to increase DNA synthesis in the uterine tissue and increase the uterine tissue’s growth.[129] In alcohol preparations, like tinctures and fluid extracts, dong quai is especially valued in dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) associated with anemia and in treatments designed to relax the uterus. In decoctions, where the essential oil is allowed to evaporate, dong quai is valued as a uterine contraction stimulant, and is used to regulate menstruation and to release a fully adhered placenta after childbirth.
Angelica has been shown through scientific research to stimulate endometrial secretions, increasing heparin, lysozyme, and capillary blood volume in the uterus.[130] Studies have shown the hot water decoction of angelica to be a uterine stimulant.[131] The water decoction of angelica root, administered intravenously to pregnant dogs and rabbits was abortifacient.[132] Conversely, the dried root of angelica has been suggested through scientific study as a fertility promoter for both women and men.[133] In addition, research on angelica has shown anti-cancer properties and liver protective aspects.[134]
Gathering: Angelica has a two to three year growing cycle. Rarely is the plant mature enough to gather roots in the first year. Roots are best gathered in late autumn, winter, or early spring while the sap is low during the second or third year of growth. Thorough drying of angelica roots eliminates their poisonous qualities that, when fresh, cause irritating reactions in many people. Angelica stems can be eaten fresh or cooked like celery; when gathered in the spring. Angelica leaves are best gathered from summer to autumn in the morning after the dew has dried. Angelica seeds are gathered when ripe. Note: If gathering angelica, always use an accurate field guide. If in doubt, do not collect. Many members of the Umbelliferae family are highly poisonous and all can be easily mistaken for each other.
Preparation: Angelica’s uterine contracting root decoction, used throughout time to tone the uterus and stimulate contractions, is probably the most effective abortive angelica preparation. The root must be simmered for several hours to release as much essential oil as possible. Angelica is often used as a simple, meaning used alone, not combined with other herbs. Angelica, as an abortifacient, is most effective if used within the first six weeks of pregnancy.
Words to the Wise: Angelica is estrogenic. Estrogenic herbs contain estrogen-like substances, which act to produce the effects of the female sex hormone estrogen. Estrogenic herbs can cause estrogen-like side effects: abnormal blood clotting, liver problems, and may encourage the growth of estrogen-dependent tumors. Estrogenic herbs should be avoided by anyone taking birth control pills, estrogen medications, or blood pressure medications. Estrogenic herbs may not be as effective for premenopausal women. Estrogenic substances are known teratogens.
Angelica may make the menses heavier. In addition, angelica may raise blood sugar levels. People who have a history of diabetes or heart attacks should not use angelica. Angelica contact can cause dermatitis. Persons with a history of allergic sensitivity to plants should wear long gloves when gathering. All persons taking angelica should stay out of the sun. Phototoxic chemicals in Angelica, called psoralens, produce a rash in people who take them and subsequently expose themselves to sunlight. Some people who take angelica in the evening experience insomnia.
125
Daniel E. Moerman,
126
Susan S.Weed,
129
Kee Chang Huang,
130
M.L. Yeh, C.F. Liu, C.L. Huang, and T.C. Huang, “Hepatoprotective Effect of
131
D.P. Zhu.”Dong Quai,”
132
B.E. Read. “Some of the Old Chinese Drugs used in Obstetrical Practice.”
133
Y.M. Chen, “Observation of 737 Cases of Impotence treated by 'Kang Wei Ling,'”
134
S. Sigurdsson, H.M. Ogmundsdottir, J. Hallgrimsson, and S. Gudbjarnason, “Antitumour Activity of