Botanical: Angelica archangelica (European) Family: Umbelliferae (carrot) - Apiaceae (parsley) Other common names: Garden Angelica, Holy Ghost Plant, Archangel Root, Wild Celery, Wild Parsnip, Dead Nettle, Masterwort Praised throughout the centuries as a miraculous gift from the angels and a panacea for all ills, Angelica Root is a well-known remedy for stomach pain, flatulence, sour stomach, heartburn, menstrual cramps, colic and general indigestion. The root also helps treat arthritis and relieves the discomfort of colds. It is an excellent stimulant and overall tonic for good health. Disclaimer: The information presented herein by Vitamin Depot Online.com is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider. History: This highly aromatic plant is a moisture-loving native of damp meadows and riverbanks, and it is a hardy biennial or perennial ornamental that grows to a height of two to eight feet. American Angelica Root (Angelica atropurpurea) grows in northeastern and north central part of the United States and also Canada. European Angelica (Angelica archangelica) grows mostly in the northern and eastern countries, and Chinese Angelica Root (Angelica sinensis and also called Dong Quai) is native to both China and Japan. Centuries ago, our Angelic herb is said to have received its name because it bloomed around the feast day of the Archangel Michael, and in northern Europe the day was often celebrated with singing, dancing and praising Angelica Root as a strong defense against all evil and even witchcraft. According to tenth-century French legend, the Archangel Raphael revealed the secrets of the herb to a monk in order to ward off plague, and in 1629, the English herbal, Paradisus Terrestris, considered Angelica Root to be one of the most important herbs of the time. Angelica was even eaten as a vegetable and added to soups. In Nordic countries, Angelica Root was used as a tranquilizer and considered a powerful medicine. Today, in many European countries, Angelica Root is still prized and used in a variety of modern drugs; it was listed in the German Drug Codex (1986). The oil is used for flavoring Chartreuse, gin, vermouth and a wide variety of liqueurs, and the candied stalks are a popular confection in Europe and a specialty in French regions. Some of the active ingredients in Angelica Root include furocoumarins, tannins, alpha-pinene, essential oils and linoleic acid. Beneficial Uses: Angelica Root is an aromatic and bitter tonic that supports the digestive system and helps remedy stomach pain, heartburn, sour stomach, dyspepsia and mild spasms of the gastrointestinal tract. The root helps increase the production of gastric juices that aid digestion. It is especially effective against flatulence and feelings of fullness. The root is an appetite stimulant, and in East Indian medicine, Angelica Root is used to treat anorexia nervosa. Angelica is widely used in German pediatric medicine for colic and as an anti-spasmodic. Angelica Root is useful for all sorts of stomach difficulties, including gastric ulcers, cramps and vomiting. Angelica Root is said to be beneficial for a sluggish liver and spleen. As a strong emmenagogue, Angelica Root has been known to bring on menstruation and minimize pre-menstrual discomfort. It has also been widely used to reduce the discomforts of menopause. Angelica is thought to help support good heart health and improve blood circulation. It contains fifteen compounds that act much like calcium channel blockers, a class drug that is a standard treatment for angina and high blood pressure, and as such, it may be of great help in such cases. This powerful aromatic possesses antibacterial qualities and as an anti-fungal, it is known to counter fourteen different types of fungus. Use of Angelica Root has been known to improve lung function, relax tracheal muscles, and act as an expectorant (good for bronchial conditions). It has helped treat colds and flu, intermittent fever and general weakness. As a pain reliever, Angelica is said to be effecting in fighting headaches, cramps, rheumatic pain and can even help with insomnia. Recommended Dosage: Take two (2) capsules, one (1) time each day with water at mealtimes. Contraindications: Angelica should not be used by pregnant or lactating women, diabetics or those taking anti-coagulants. People taking high blood pressure medication should avoid this herb. Angelica may increase photosensitivity in sunlight. Capsule Size: We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose "00" capsules for all of our encapsulated products. (click here for size comparison) Angelica Root - Standardized Extract -- Approximately 600 mg. each