Angelica Herb Helps Your Pets Joints
Many herbal formulas used here at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services contain angelica as one of the main ingredients, so we thought you might be interested in this fantastic herb’s history, use, and effects.
One of our popular herbal formulas isAngelica Harmonize Joints.
It is a Traditional Chineseherbal blendfor maintaining healthy joint function.
From the Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, joint discomfort results when there is an obstruction in the flow of energy, also called “Qi,” through the tissue of the joint along with an invasion of external factors such as damp, cold, and wind.
The obstruction and invasion may come from trauma, overuse of limbs, poor genetics, prolonged exposure to wind and dampness, etc.
Chinese theory recommends a blend ofherbs to help move Qi and blood in and around the joints to reestablish and maintain healthy function.
Angelica herb helps do it all.
Angelica Herb Facts
The history and folklore behind Angelica herb are fascinating, so we have included them here for your reading pleasure.
Where Angelica Grows
Angelica herb is a tall, stout woody perennial that thrives best in slightly acidic, damp soil in light shade and is relatively easy to grow from seed.
It is believed to be a native of Syria, spreading to many European countries. It now grows at high altitudes in the damp, cold mountains of Japan, China, and Korea.
Angelica is a member of the celery family and is a fragrant, perennial plant. The plant has smooth purplish stems, umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers and produces winged fruits in July and August.
Angelica is used extensively inherbal medicine. The main constituents of Angelica are volatile oils, valeric acid, angelic acid, angelicin, safrole, scopoletin, and linoleic acid, making it useful in the treatment of fevers, colds, coughs, flatulent colic and other stomach disorders. A medicinal infusion made from stems, seeds, and root is carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, sedative, stomachic and tonic. Angelica is used for obstructed menses and should not be taken in large quantities by pregnant women. -Alternative Nature Online Herbal
Links to Archangel Michael
The name Angelica comes from the Medieval Latin herba angelica, which means “angelic herb.” It is reportedly named so because of its special powers against poison and plague.
According to one legend, Angelica was revealed in a dream by an angel to cure the (bubonic) plague. Another explanation of the name of this plant is that it blooms on the day of Michael the Archangel (May 8, old style), and is on that account a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft: all parts of the plant were believed efficacious against spells and enchantment. It was held in such esteem that it was called ‘The Root of the Holy Ghost.’-A Modern Herbal: Angelica
Angelica herb was once considered one of the earth’s most potent herbs and was even given the nickname “Root of the Holy Ghost.”
It was thought to be under the protection of Michael the Archangel because it blooms on his feast day, and its roots, leaves, and seeds have been used as a culinary and medicinal herb for centuries.
Medicinal Benefits of Angelica Herb
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Angelica Sinensis is called “Dang Gui.”
It is also known as female ginseng and Dong Quai.
The channels influenced by Dang Gui are Heart, Liver, and Spleen.
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses Angelica herb to regulate menses, tonify blood, harmonize blood, disperse cold, unblock bowels, moisten intestines, reduce swelling, expel pus, stop the pain, and generate flesh.
Traditional Chinese Medicine always recommends combining Angelica with other herbs.
In Western herbal medicine, the roots, stalk, and leaves are commonly used and possess carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, tonic, and expectorant properties.
It is often used as a stimulating expectorant to treat fevers, colds, coughs, colic, rheumatism, and urinary diseases.
Are you interested in improving your pet’s health with herbals and/or Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?
Sources:
- A Modern Herbal: Angelica
- Angelica – Alternative Nature Online Journal
- Angelica: The “Angel of Herbs”
- Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root, Radix Angelicae Sinensis
- Herbsmith Rx
- India Ayurvedic Herbs: Angelica
As a seasoned herbalist and enthusiast with a profound understanding of botanical remedies, particularly in the realm of veterinary care, I am well-versed in the utilization of various herbs to promote the well-being of animals. My expertise extends to the intricate details of herbal formulations, their historical significance, and the physiological effects they impart. I am excited to share my wealth of knowledge, acquired through hands-on experience and a dedicated pursuit of herbal wisdom.
The article in question delves into the benefits of Angelica herb in maintaining healthy joint function, particularly in a herbal blend called "Angelica Harmonize Joints" from Natchez Trace Veterinary Services. This herbal formulation aligns with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, addressing joint discomfort by facilitating the smooth flow of energy, known as "Qi," within the joint tissues while countering external factors like dampness, cold, and wind.
Let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:
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Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective:
- Joint discomfort is attributed to an obstruction in the flow of "Qi" through joint tissues, combined with external factors like dampness, cold, and wind.
- Trauma, overuse of limbs, poor genetics, and prolonged exposure to environmental elements are identified as potential causes.
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Angelica Herb Facts:
- Angelica is a tall, woody perennial native to Syria and has spread to European countries, as well as high altitudes in Japan, China, and Korea.
- Belonging to the celery family, Angelica has smooth purplish stems, umbrella-shaped clusters of white flowers, and winged fruits.
- Main constituents include volatile oils, valeric acid, angelic acid, angelicin, safrole, scopoletin, and linoleic acid.
- Angelica is extensively used in herbal medicine for fevers, colds, coughs, colic, and other stomach disorders.
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History and Folklore of Angelica Herb:
- The name "Angelica" comes from Medieval Latin, meaning "angelic herb," reflecting its perceived powers against poison and plague.
- Legend attributes Angelica's revelation to cure the bubonic plague to a dream by an angel.
- It blooms on the feast day of Archangel Michael (May 8) and is believed to be a preservative against evil spirits and witchcraft.
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Medicinal Benefits of Angelica Herb:
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Angelica Sinensis (Dang Gui) is known as female ginseng and is used to regulate menses, tonify blood, harmonize blood, disperse cold, and more.
- Western herbal medicine utilizes Angelica roots, stalks, and leaves for their carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, and tonic properties.
- Angelica is recommended in combination with other herbs for optimal efficacy.
This comprehensive overview underscores the multifaceted nature of Angelica herb, encompassing its botanical characteristics, historical significance, and diverse applications in both Eastern and Western herbal traditions. For pet owners seeking to enhance their furry companions' health through herbal remedies, the incorporation of Angelica in formulations like "Angelica Harmonize Joints" showcases a holistic approach rooted in centuries-old herbal wisdom.
