Angelica

What are other names for this remedy?

Type of medicine: natural remedy

Scientific and common names: Archangelica officinalis, Angelica archangelica, garden angelica, angelique, root of the holy ghost, wild angelica, wild licorice, European angelica

What is angelica?

Angelica is a plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall. The plant has compound leaves; a hollow stem; a long, thick, fleshy root; and greenish white flowers.

This type of angelica (Angelica archangelica) is a completely different remedy from dong quai (Angelica sinensis).

The root is generally the part used for medicinal purposes. The stems and seeds have been used to flavor candy and liqueurs. The fruit is used in herbal teas. The leaves are sometimes blanched, boiled, and eaten in salads or as a garnish with vegetables and meats. Angelica oil is used in perfumes, soaps, salves, oils, and shampoos.

What is it used for?

Angelica has been used to treat:

• fluid retention
• intestinal cramps and gas
• menstrual disorders
• premature ejaculation, when applied directly to the penis in combination with other medicines
• trouble sleeping

Angelica has been used on the skin to treat arthritis and nerve pain. It is also used in cosmetics.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve uses for natural remedies. The FDA does not inspect or regulate natural remedies the way they do prescription medicines.

How is it taken?

Angelica oil and angelica wax are available as skin care products. Angelica may also come in the form of capsules, tincture, or tea. Follow the directions printed on the product label or given by your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

Do not use angelica if you have:

• a bleeding disorder
• ulcers or problems with acid reflux.

Angelica root is safe for most adults when used on the skin or taken in small amounts. It is unsafe to take in large amounts.

This remedy may make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which may lead to painful sunburns. While you are taking this remedy, avoid long exposure to the sun. Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunscreen lotion when you need to be outdoors. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.

It is easy to confuse wild angelica with poisonous plants such as wild hemlock. Gathering your own angelica is not advised.

Females of childbearing age: Do not take this remedy if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any natural remedy that you are using or thinking about using. If your provider does not tell you how to take it, follow the directions that come with the package. Do not take more or take it longer than recommended. Ask about anything you do not understand. Remember:

• Natural remedies are not always safe.
• You should not take them if you are pregnant or breast-feeding without your healthcare provider's approval. They should not be taken by infants, children, or older adults without your provider's approval.
• They affect your body and may interact with prescription medicines that you take.
• Natural remedies are not standardized and may be contaminated. They may have different strengths and effects.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its desirable effects, this remedy may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the remedy. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Possible side effects: Mild pain and irritation when applied to the skin, sun sensitivity, delayed ejaculation, or problems with erection when applied to the penis.

What products might interact with this remedy?

When you take this remedy with other medicines, it can change the way the remedy or the medicines work. Vitamins and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Before taking this remedy, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin, heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and ticlopidine (Ticlid)
• herbs such as anise, arnica, asafoetida, capsicum, chamomile, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, horse chestnut, horseradish, licorice, papain, passionflower, red clover, turmeric, and willow

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

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Keep all natural remedies and medicines out of the reach of children.

This advisory includes select information only. The information was obtained from scientific journals, study reports, and other documents. The author and publisher make no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the information. The advisory may not include all side effects associated with a remedy or interactions with other medicines. Nothing herein shall constitute a recommendation for the use of any remedy. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

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