Angelica is an aromatic plant loaded with medicinal properties. The botanical name of Angelica herb is Angelica archangelica. It is native to Syria from where it has spread to Asia, Europe and America, where the leaves, stems, seeds and roots of the plant are used in the folk medicines for treating various health disorders. Scientific studies have attributed the medicinal properties of Angelica to its bioactive constituents that include angelicin, angelic acid, valeric acid and safrole. Moreover, the herb contains vitamins B1, B2 and B12, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.
Although the entire angelica plant is loaded with compounds with medicinal properties, the angelica root is primarily used by folk healers for treating ailments. The root is usually dried and used for preparing decoctions, which is taken internally or used topically.
Angelica Is Valued For The Following Health Benefits
Prevents Acne
Angelica contains antibacterial compounds that help in suppressing growth of the acne causing bacteria. The analgesic property of the herb helps in soothing the acne prone skin. It helps in reducing pain, inflammation and redness of the skin associated with acne breakouts. Rinsing the face with angelica root decoction helps in treating acne breakouts and prevents future breakouts.
Heals Fungal Skin Infections
Angelica root also contains anti-fungal compounds. It suppresses growth of the Candida yeast, which is responsible for fungal infections of the skin. The dried Angelica root is ground and applied to the infected areas of the skin.
Alleviates Respiratory Infections
The antiviral and antimicrobial properties of angelica make it the ideal herb for treating sore throat. Gargling with angelic root decoction helps in providing fast relief from throat infection. Moreover, Angelica also acts as an expectorant. It helps in expelling phlegm from the lungs, thereby providing relief from lung congestion.
Treats Mouth Sore
Rinsing the mouth with angelica tea helps in healing mouth sores. The antimicrobial property of the herb helps in suppressing growth of the microbes that cause the painful oral lesions.
Fixes Overactive Bladder
Overactive bladder and nocturia is a common urinary problem in older adults. By strengthening the bladder, Angelica archangelica helps in reducing bladder leaks. The herb contains a phytochemical called isoquercitrin, which blocks activities of inflammatory molecules in the bladder that stimulate unintended bladder contraction.
Improves Digestion
Angelica is an excellent digestive aid. Herbalists recommend drinking angelica tea to expel intestinal gas and improve digestion. It also helps in providing relief from tension-related digestion problems. Angelica works by relaxing the intestinal muscles, which helps in providing relief from intestinal gas and pain.
Lowers High Blood Pressure
Angelica is beneficial for people suffering from hypertension. It contains compounds that work like calcium channel blockers. Drinking angelica tea can help in lowering high blood pressure level.
Improves Liver Function
The bitter constituents of angelica are beneficial for the liver health. Experimental studies have confirmed the hepatoprotective activity of angelica. It helps in improving liver function and is considered beneficial for people suffering from hepatitis and liver cirrhosis.
Reduces Muscle Pain
Angelica is an excellent muscle relaxant. Applying angelica extract to the sore muscles helps in reducing the muscle tension. Massaging the muscles with Angelica essential oil provides fast relief from muscle pain and swelling. You may even add angelica decoction to your bath water and soak in the warm bath to relax your muscles.
Strengthens Bones
By balancing the hormones, angelica helps in reducing the risk of osteoporosis after menopause. In folk medicines, poultice made with angelica leaves is used to speed up healing of broken bones.
Good for Female Reproductive Health
Angelica is a time honored remedy for menstruation problems. By restoring the normal balance of the hormones it helps in maintaining the normal menstrual cycle. It helps in reducing heavy bleeding, abdominal cramping and PMS symptoms.
Reduces Anxiety
Angelica also helps in reducing anxiety. Drinking angelica tea helps in calming the mind and strengthens the nervous system. The anxiolytic property of angelica is attributed to compounds called coumarins present in the herb.
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