Chinese angelica in the Middle Kingdom is also known under the names Dong Quai and "female ginseng." The plant belongs to the Umbrella family along with celery, parsley and carrots. The beginning of its flowering falls at the end of spring and lasts all summer, and ribbed ovoid seeds appear in September and October.
The appearance and composition of the plant
The height of Chinese angelica is from 40 to 100 cm. This plant has a straight stem and umbellate inflorescences (15 cm in diameter). The flowers of the angelica are small five-petalled green-white and yellow-green hues. The root of the plant is elongated and fleshy, with subordinate roots. This edible grass can be found in northern China, in New Zealand and in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere. It lives in moist and shady places.
In Chinese medicine, angelica is one of the most popular medicinal herbs, since it contains many medicinal substances. The plant is rich in minerals, including iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins A, B and B₁₂. Angelica contains a variety of essential oils, furocoumarins, essential fatty acids, pectins and tannins.
The healing properties of the plant
The extract of Chinese angelica is characterized by the presence of plant hormones phytoestrogens, which in their properties are similar to female ones. They help relieve pain in menstrual syndrome and hormonal disorders. From the roots of angelica, enzymes are extracted that are used in the treatment of cancer 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 blood coagulation process. Angelica tinctures have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. The plant stops the leaching of calcium 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 otitis externa and tinnitus.
Indications and contraindications
As with an 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 Chinese 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 used by pregnant women and nursing mothers. Angelica substances increase the already heavy menstrual bleeding. In addition, it is not recommended to take medications, which include this plant, for people with diabetes.
Collection rules
You need to dig up the roots in the first year of planting at the end of flowering or after the first winter. Rhizomes must be immediately rinsed with cold water, cut and allowed to dry at no more than 40 ° C in a dryer or in the shade on the street. A properly treated plant can be stored for two years without loss of medicinal properties.
Angelica seeds are usually collected at the end of August. By this time they have time to fully mature. For proper collection, it is necessary to cut off all 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 ointments based on Chinese angelica to the skin surface, avoid sunlight so as not to get a burn.
Cooking
Healing decoctions most often insist on the roots of angelica. Less commonly used are its seeds and shoots. At the beginning of flowering in China, the plant is also used as a food supplement.
30 grams of dried roots in advance pour 300 ml of water at room temperature. Bring the mixture to a boil and keep for 5 minutes over low heat. Two hours after cooking, strain and take two tablespoons a day. This recipe is considered universal, since this infusion is suitable for both internal and external use.
In the treatment of gastritis, pour the chopped or finely chopped roots of the herb with 75% alcohol in a 1/5 ratio and let the mixture stand for two weeks. The finished 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, add about 15 grams (half a tablespoon) of dry roots to 250 ml of water. The mixture must be boiled for 10 minutes and let it brew for about an hour. Drink pre-filtered liquid four times in one tablespoon, regardless of food intake.
To use Chinese angelica as a treatment for bronchitis or asthma prevention, take one tablespoon of dried plant raw materials 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.
Angelica chinese: reviews
Most consumers living outside of China are satisfied with the purchase of angelica-based medicines. After its regular use, a noticeable improvement in health is noted during the week. Those who are sick with biliary dyskinesia after a course of treatment with this plant note that they can now fully enjoy foods such as fried meat, chocolate and citrus fruits without subsequent pain.
Women also respond positively to 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 for a long period to remove pain in the pelvis with menopause. In addition, several buyers with chronic pyelonephritis have noticed significant improvements in kidney health.