Chinese angelica: properties, applications and reviews

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:42

Chinese angelica in China itself is also known as Dong Kuai and "female ginseng". The plant belongs to the Umbelliferae family along with celery, parsley and carrots. Its flowering begins at the end of spring and lasts all summer, and the ribbed ovoid seeds appear in September and October.

Appearance and composition of the plant

Chinese Angelica height is from 40 to 100 cm. This plant has a straight stem and umbrella inflorescences (15 cm in diameter). Angelica flowers are small five-petalled green-white and yellow-green. The root of the plant is elongated and fleshy, with adventitious roots. This edible grass can be found in northern China, New Zealand and the countries of the Northern Hemisphere. It lives in damp and shady places.

In Chinese medicine, angelica is one of the most popular medicinal herbs, as it contains many healing substances. The plant is rich in minerals, including iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins A, B and B₁₂. Angelica containsvarious essential oils, furocoumarins, essential fatty acids, pectins and tannins.

Healing properties of the plant

Angelica chinensis extract is characterized by the presence of plant hormones phytoestrogens, which are similar in properties to women. They help relieve pain in menstrual syndrome and hormonal disorders. Enzymes are extracted from the roots of angelica, which are used in the treatment of oncological diseases of the stomach, lungs and liver. The substances contained in this plant contribute to the production of red blood cells, improve blood circulation and slow down the process of blood clotting. Angelica tinctures have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. The plant stops calcium leaching and relieves rheumatic pain.

Angelica seeds are widely used in the treatment of the respiratory tract. The juice of this plant has a beneficial effect on the auditory organ, namely during external otitis media and tinnitus.

Indications and contraindications

As with overdose of almost any drug, angelica often causes poisoning. Its prolonged use leads to increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

The healing substances of angelica chinensis have a beneficial effect on the human body in the following diseases:

• irritable bowel syndrome;
• insomnia;
• stress;
• laryngitis and bronchitis;
• hematuria, hemorrhoids;
• varicose veins, thrombosis;
• gastritis;
• menopause and pronounced premenstrual syndrome.

The plant should not be consumed by pregnant women and nursing mothers. Angelica substances increase the already heavy menstrual bleeding. In addition, it is not recommended to take medicines containing this plant for people with diabetes.

Collection rules

You need to dig up the roots in the first year of planting after flowering or after the first winter. The rhizomes must be washed immediately with cold water, cut and allowed to dry at no more than 40⁰ C in a dryer or in the shade outside. A properly processed plant can be stored for two years without losing its medicinal properties.

Angelica seeds are usually collected at the end of August. By this time, they have time to fully ripen. For proper collection, it is necessary to cut off all the inflorescences and, after thorough drying, remove the seeds. Raw materials and ready-to-use tinctures are recommended to be stored in dark places. When applying angelica-based ointments to the surface of the skin, avoid sunlight so as not to get burned.

Cooking

Healing decoctions are most often infused on angelica roots. Less commonly used are its seeds and shoots. At the beginning of flowering in China, the plant is also used as a food additive.

30 grams of pre-dried roots pour 300 ml of water at room temperature. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes on low heat. Two hours after cooking, strain and take two tablespoons inday. This recipe is considered universal, since this infusion is suitable for both internal and external use.

When treating gastritis, pour pounded or finely chopped grass roots with 75% alcohol in a ratio of 1/5 and let the mixture stand for two weeks. Ready tincture should be drunk three times a day before meals, 20 drops for two months. After a 14-day break, the process can be repeated.

To treat bloating and flatulence, pour about 15 grams (half a tablespoon) of dry roots into 250 ml of water. The mixture should be boiled for 10 minutes and let it brew for about an hour. Drink the pre-strained liquid four times, one tablespoon, regardless of the meal.

To use angelica chinensis as a treatment for bronchitis or asthma prevention, take one tablespoon of the dried raw material of the plant and pour one liter of boiling water. Let the liquid stand for 30 minutes, then strain. This infusion should be taken three times a day for half a cup before eating.

Chinese angelica: reviews

Most consumers outside of China are satisfied with the purchase of angelica-based medicines. After its regular use for a week, there is a noticeable improvement in he alth. Those who suffer from biliary dyskinesia, after a course of treatment with this plant, note that they can now fully and without subsequent pain enjoy foods such as fried meat, chocolate and citrus fruits.

Women also speak positively about the healing properties of Chinese angelica in the field of gynecology. Medicines based on this plant have helped many to normalize the menstrual cycle and remove pain in the pelvis during menopause for a long period. In addition, several customers with chronic pyelonephritis have noticed a significant improvement in kidney he alth.