Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Healing with Angelica
Contrary to legend; angelica does not deliver humanity from epidemic disease. In fact, most of this herb’s traditional uses have not stood up to scientific scrutiny. Contemporary herbalists generally recommend angelica mostly for digestive problems and to help clear mucus, uses that may have some validity.
Respiratory Ailments - The Doctrine of Signatures scores one. German researchers have discovered that angelica relaxes the windpipe, suggesting that it may have some value in treating colds, flu, bronchitis, and asthma, after all.
Digestive Aid - The same German investigators found that angelica also relaxes the intestines, lending some credence to its traditional use in treating digestive complaints
Arthritis - Japanese researchers have reported that the herb has anti-inflammatory effects, meaning there may be something to angelica’s traditional Asian use as an arthritis treatment.
Intriguing Possibilities - Preliminary research reports from China suggest angelica increases red blood cell counts. This means the herb may someday prove beneficial in treating anemia. Chinese researchers also report angelica increases the ability of blood to clot. If they’re correct, that’s good news for people with clotting impairment. It also means that anyone at risk for heart disease should avoid this herb. Increased blood clotting can lead to decreased blood flow to the heart and in some cases might trigger a heart attack.
The Chinese have also found that angelica improves liver function in people suffering from cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis. Their research is preliminary, however. No specific recommendations can be made at this time about using angelica for liver problems.
Rx for Angelica
Angelica reportedly gives relief from colds, flu, and bronchitis. It is sometimes used as a digestive aid or for arthritis relief. There are a variety of ways to prepare this herb, depending on your personal preference.
For an infusion, use 1 teaspoon of powdered seeds or leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep 10 to 20 minutes.
For a decoction, use 1 teaspoon of powdered roots per cup of water. Bring to a boil and simmer 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 15 minutes. Drink up to 2 cups a day Angelica decoctions taste bitter.
In a tincture, use ½ to 1 teaspoon up to twice a day. When using commercial extracts, follow package directions.
Angelica should not be given to children under age 2. For older children and people over 65, start with low-strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.