According to folklore, angelica is named after an angel that appeared in plague-ridden Europe and showed a monk the angelica plant as a cure. Today, angelica extracts and teas are used as medicine. The herb is also used in cooking and as a flavoring agent in alcoholic beverages such as gin and benedictine.
What Is Angelica Used For?
There has been some research to investigate the effects that angelica may have on health. Even so, strong scientific evidence supporting the use of Angelica is lacking.
For instance, one study published in 2019 explored the use of angelica archangelica as an anti-tumor agent in the treatment of breast cancer. But the research so far has been limited to rodent and in vitro studies (test tubes). There is no way to know if there may be a benefit for humans.
Here’s a look at what existing research says about angelica.
Digestive Issues
Scientific evidence supporting the use of angelic for digestive issues is scant. The existing studies are dated. Furthermore, the studies investigated the effects of angelica used in combination with other herbal treatments to treat digestive problems.
While there is a possibility that angelica may help to calm stomach issues like dyspepsia, more research needs to be done to understand its benefits.
In some countries, alternative medicine practitioners have used angelica with other herbs to treat irritable bowel syndrome.
In a review published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, researchers only suggested that angelica and other herbal preparations “could be studied” for their role in the treating IBS.
Nocturia
Nocturia is a condition defined as the need to wake from sleep one or more times to urinate. A 2017 study published in the Scandanavian Journal of Urology investigated angelica’s potential use as a treatment for the condition.
Researchers used a specific product made from the Angelica archangelica leaf to treat 69 men age 45 and over. The patients were randomized. Some received the herbal treatment. Others received a placebo, or a substance that wasn’t a real treatment. Neither the researchers nor the patients knew who received the angelica treatment. People in the study kept track of when they urinated. Those diaries were studied before and after the treatment.
Researchers found that the herbal treatment was safe, but that it did not improve nocturia overall compared to placebo.
Possible Side Effects
Angelica is likely safe when consumed in amounts typically found in food. However, not enough is known about the use of angelica for medicinal purposes to say the same.
People taking angelica should avoid excess sun exposure because angelica can increase the skin’s sensitivity to light.
In animal studies, compounds in angelica called furocoumarins have been linked with cancer.
Remember that self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may cause serious problems. If you’re considering using it for any health purpose, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Selection, Preparation, and Storage
Angelica is available in health food stores and online. The dried herb can also be purchased to be used in tea.
When purchasing angelica in any form, be sure to read product labels. Some products identified as angelica may be made from a different species of angelica with different medicinal properties. Also, angelica may be combined with other ingredients.
Keep in mind that supplements like angelica are often unregulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). According to government standards, it is not legal to claim that a dietary supplement can treat or cure a specific disease or to relieve the symptoms of a disease. The products are not tested by the FDA for safety or effectiveness.
In some cases, the product may contain doses than what is shown on the label. In others, the product may be contaminated with other substances. This is a particular concern when it comes to herbs imported from China.
Some people look for products that have been certified by ConsumerLabs, TU.S. Pharmacopeia, or NSF International. These organizations don’t guarantee that a product is safe or effective. But they do provide a certain level of testing for quality.
Common Questions
What does angelica taste like?Angelica has an earthy, woody flavor that is slightly bitter. Some compare it to the taste of juniper berries.
How is angelica used in cooking?Some people use dried angelica seeds in liqueurs, cakes, cookies, and candies. Candied angelica is a treat that can be made at home and eaten after a meal.
