Wild Parsnip (Angelica archangelica L.)
Overview
Wild parsnip, also known as Angelica, is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine and culinary applications, particularly in European herbal practices. The plant is known for its broad range of therapeutic properties, making it valuable for various health conditions.
Medicinal Activity
Wild parsnip exhibits numerous medicinal activities, including:
• Abortifacient: Traditionally used to induce abortion, though this use is controversial and should be approached with caution.
• Antibacterial: Effective against certain bacterial infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
• Antispasmodic: Helps alleviate spasms and cramps in muscles and the digestive tract.
• Aperitif: Stimulates appetite and digestive juices.
• Bitter: Enhances digestive health and appetite.
• Cholagogue: Promotes bile flow, beneficial for liver and gallbladder health.
• Diuretic: Encourages increased urine production, aiding in detoxification.
• Expectorant: Assists in the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Stomachic: Supports healthy digestive function.
• Abortifacient: Traditionally used to induce abortion, though this use is controversial and should be approached with caution.
• Antibacterial: Effective against certain bacterial infections.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, making it beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
• Antispasmodic: Helps alleviate spasms and cramps in muscles and the digestive tract.
• Aperitif: Stimulates appetite and digestive juices.
• Bitter: Enhances digestive health and appetite.
• Cholagogue: Promotes bile flow, beneficial for liver and gallbladder health.
• Diuretic: Encourages increased urine production, aiding in detoxification.
• Expectorant: Assists in the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.
• Stomachic: Supports healthy digestive function.
Therapeutic Indication
Wild parsnip is indicated for a variety of health issues, including:
• Digestive Disorders: Such as dyspepsia, gas, and flatulence.
• Respiratory Issues: Useful for asthma, coughs, and bronchosis.
• Infections: Effective against certain bacterial and fungal infections.
• Pain Management: Alleviates neuralgia, cramping, and general pain.
• Menstrual Issues: Can be beneficial for dysmenorrhea and related symptoms.
• Skin Conditions: Used in topical applications for infections and inflammation.
• Fever and Cold Symptoms: Acts as an antipyretic and diaphoretic to help reduce fever.
• Digestive Disorders: Such as dyspepsia, gas, and flatulence.
• Respiratory Issues: Useful for asthma, coughs, and bronchosis.
• Infections: Effective against certain bacterial and fungal infections.
• Pain Management: Alleviates neuralgia, cramping, and general pain.
• Menstrual Issues: Can be beneficial for dysmenorrhea and related symptoms.
• Skin Conditions: Used in topical applications for infections and inflammation.
• Fever and Cold Symptoms: Acts as an antipyretic and diaphoretic to help reduce fever.
Prepration & Usage
The following dosages are commonly recommended for various forms of wild parsnip:
• Powdered Leaf, Root, or Seed: 1 teaspoon per cup of water.
• Root: 1.5 grams (approximately 1 teaspoon) per day; can also be taken in higher doses (up to 4.5 grams).
• Tea: 1–2 grams of root, taken three times a day.
• Tincture: 2–5 ml of leaf or root tincture (1:5 in alcohol), taken three times a day.
• Powdered Leaf, Root, or Seed: 1 teaspoon per cup of water.
• Root: 1.5 grams (approximately 1 teaspoon) per day; can also be taken in higher doses (up to 4.5 grams).
• Tea: 1–2 grams of root, taken three times a day.
• Tincture: 2–5 ml of leaf or root tincture (1:5 in alcohol), taken three times a day.
Safety & Considerations
While wild parsnip is generally safe for use, there are some important considerations:
• Photosensitivity: The plant contains furanocoumarins, which can cause skin reactions upon exposure to sunlight, increasing the risk of photodermatosis.
• Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals with peptic ulcers or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding in amounts exceeding food use.
• Drug Interactions: Can interact with anticoagulant medications due to its coumarin content, potentially enhancing their effects.
• Side Effects: May cause gastrointestinal disturbances if taken in large doses. Users should be cautious and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
• Photosensitivity: The plant contains furanocoumarins, which can cause skin reactions upon exposure to sunlight, increasing the risk of photodermatosis.
• Contraindications: Not recommended for individuals with peptic ulcers or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding in amounts exceeding food use.
• Drug Interactions: Can interact with anticoagulant medications due to its coumarin content, potentially enhancing their effects.
• Side Effects: May cause gastrointestinal disturbances if taken in large doses. Users should be cautious and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Conclusion
In summary, wild parsnip is a versatile herb with a wide range of therapeutic properties, particularly in digestive and respiratory health. As with any herbal remedy, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.