Angelica: Benefits, Uses & Dosage

If your cycle runs irregular, painful or cold, Angelica is a herb worth knowing. Ayurvedic teaching counts it among the best tonic herbs for women, one that nurtures the uterine organs and may be the single best herb for regulating the menstrual cycle.

In Sanskrit it is called Choraka (चोरक), with Chanda listed as a synonym in the Sahasra Yoga. It belongs to the carrot family (Umbelliferae). The Sahasra Yoga names two species: the Indian Angelica glauca Edgw. and the European garden angelica, Angelica archangelica Linn. In Chinese medicine its close relative is known as Dang Gui or Tang Kuei.

The varieties are not equal. The Chinese and Indian angelicas carry strong tonic properties, while European angelica has them only to a lesser degree. All of them share warming, sweat-inducing and anti-rheumatic qualities.

Angelica tastes pungent and sweet, has a heating potency (Ushna Virya, the warming effect a herb has on the body) and a sweet post-digestive effect (Madhura Vipaka, the effect left after digestion). It is generally balancing for all three doshas but can aggravate Pitta, the fire principle, in excess. It acts on plasma, blood, muscle, marrow and nerve, and reproductive tissues.

Women's Health and the Menstrual Cycle

This is Angelica's main use. It nurtures the uterine organs, promotes their regular function and acts as an emmenagogue, meaning it encourages menstrual flow. It is indicated for absent periods (amenorrhea), painful periods (dysmenorrhea), menstrual cramps and PMS.

Blood Building

Angelica is indicated for anemia (Pandu Roga). Its tonic action on plasma and blood, together with its regulation of the cycle, makes it most useful where anemia is tied to menstrual blood loss. See Angelica for anemia for the full picture.

Joint and Rheumatic Pain

All angelica varieties carry anti-rheumatic properties, and the herb is analgesic (pain relieving) and antispasmodic. It is indicated for arthritis and rheumatic pain, where its warmth suits stiff, cold joints.

Headaches, Colds and Flu

Angelica is listed for headaches, colds and flus. Its diaphoretic action, which promotes sweating, and its influence on the respiratory system explain its use when a chill settles in.

Rejuvenation

It is also described as rejuvenative, supporting the circulatory, reproductive, respiratory and digestive systems as a general warming tonic.

Angelica root is taken as a powder, a decoction or capsules. Water-based and milk-based preparations are preferred over alcohol tinctures, since alcohol can add heat and aggravate Pitta.

What to take it with

Ayurveda pays attention to the vehicle you take a herb with (Anupana). For cold, dry, depleted Vata patterns, take the powder in warm milk. For heavy, sluggish Kapha patterns, use warm water with a pinch of ginger.

Pairings

As a tonic, Angelica works best with Shatavari, which also tempers its heat. For promoting menstruation, it pairs well with safflower. Give it two to three full cycles of steady use before judging the effect on your cycle.

Angelica is a well-established tonic, but it is warming and stimulating to the uterus, so it is not for everyone. Ayurvedic teaching gives three clear cautions.

• Pregnancy: use only with care and professional guidance. Its emmenagogue action, which promotes menstrual flow, can be too stimulating at this time.
• High blood pressure: use with care in hypertension, as its warming action can be too stimulating.
• High Pitta states: its heating potency can aggravate Pitta in excess. Avoid it when you have signs of excess heat such as burning sensations or active inflammation, including liver heat.

If you take prescription medication, especially blood thinners or hormonal therapy, check with your doctor before adding Angelica. Alcohol-based tinctures add further heat, so water or milk preparations are the gentler choice.

Angelica is often weighed against its Chinese and European relatives and against Shatavari, its classic partner. Here is how they compare on the points our sources cover.

Angelica is mainly a women's herb, but its warmth and stimulating action mean the right dose depends on who is taking it. Our sources give clear cautions for pregnancy and limited guidance for other groups, so err on the careful side.

Pregnancy & Nursing

Use only with care during pregnancy, and only under professional guidance. Because it promotes menstrual flow, it can be too stimulating at this time. Our sources do not cover nursing, so check with your practitioner first.

Children

No pediatric dosing is recorded in our sources. Do not give Angelica to children without guidance from a qualified practitioner.

Elderly

Its warming, tonic and anti-rheumatic action can suit older adults with cold, stiff joints or depletion. Avoid it if there is high blood pressure or signs of excess heat, and start at the low end of the dose range.

Athletes

Angelica is analgesic and antispasmodic and acts on muscle tissue, which may help with stiffness and cramps. It is a warming tonic, not a performance supplement.

Men

Men can take it too, especially for cold, depleted patterns or convalescence after illness, though its standout role is for women.