Angélica, also known as arcangélica, holy spirit herb and Indian hyacinth, is a medicinal plant with anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that is normally used to treat intestinal problems, such as dyspepsia, excess gas and poor digestion, for example.
Angélica's scientific name is Angelica archangelica , it can be found in health food stores and can be consumed in the form of tea or essential oil.
What is Angelica for
Angélica has antiseptic, antacid, anti-inflammatory, aromatic, depurative, digestive, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant, sweat and tonic properties. Thus, Angélica serves to:
- Assist in the treatment of digestive problems such as abdominal discomfort, dyspepsia and excess of gases; Decrease nervousness and anxiety symptoms; Increase appetite; Assist in the treatment of circulatory problems and in the control of blood pressure; Relieve headache and symptoms of migraine; Improve sleep quality by decreasing insomnia episodes.
In addition, Angelica can be applied directly to the skin to relieve pain in the nerve and joints and to help treat skin diseases.
Angelica Tea
The parts of the angelica used are the stem, roots, seeds and leaves of the angelica. In addition to being able to be used in the form of oil, angelica can also be used as tea, which has purifying and diuretic properties and can be consumed up to 3 times a day.
To make the tea, just add 20 g of the Angelica root in 800 mL of boiling water and leave for about 10 minutes. Then strain and drink during the day.
Side effects and contraindications
The side effects of Angelica are usually associated with the fact that it is used in large quantities, because in addition to being toxic it can cause increased levels of sugar in the urine and gastrointestinal irritation. Thus, the use of angelica is not indicated for diabetics and for those who have gastric ulcers, unless indicated by the doctor or herbalist, and the use must be made as directed.
In addition, the use of angelica on the skin, especially in the form of essential oil, can result in hypersensitivity reactions and if the person is exposed to sunlight for a long time, it can leave the spot stained. Therefore, if angelica is used on the skin, it is important to apply the sunscreen immediately afterwards to avoid blemishes.
The use of angelica is also not recommended for pregnant women, as the plant may favor the occurrence of uterine contractions, which can lead to abortion. In the case of breastfeeding women, there are no studies that define whether the use is safe or not, however it is recommended that the use is not made.
