Published by the Pharmaceutical Press: herbal medicine

Angelica is stated to possess antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, bitter aromatic, carminative, diuretic and local antiinflammatory properties. It has been used for respiratory catarrh, psychogenic asthma, flatulent dyspepsia, anorexia nervosa, rheumatic diseases, peripheral vascular disease, and specifically for pleurisy and bronchitis, applied as a compress, and for bronchitis associated with vascular deficiency.(G7, G49, G64, G75) The German Commission E monograph states that angelica can be used for lack of appetite and dyspeptic complaints such as mild stomach cramps and flatulence.(G4)
Many related species, including A. sinensis (dong quai), are
traditionally used in Chinese medicine.(G57) A. sinensis occurs in about 70% of all traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions to treat dysmenorrhoea, postnatal disturbances, anaemia, constipation and chronic pelvic infections.(5) Western naturopaths recommend the use of dong quai in hypertension, for modification of high blood sugar concentrations, regulation of the immune system, liver detoxification, anaemia and to relieve allergic conditions. Several unlicensed over-the-counter (OTC) products containing dong quai are readily available.