ANGELICA FOR HEALTH
(A. archangelica, A. gigas, A sinensis, A. auropupurea)
1. Angelica archangelica (common or garden):
Digestive Support: Angelica archangelica has been traditionally used to alleviate digestive discomfort, including indigestion, bloating, and flatulence.
Respiratory Health: It is believed to have expectorant properties, helping to alleviate coughs and respiratory congestion.
Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest that Angelica archangelica may possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial for arthritis and joint pain.
Menstrual Support: In traditional medicine, it has been used to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual cramps.
2. Angelica gigas (Giant or Korean):
Anti-inflammatory: It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may relieve pain and inflammation associated with various conditions such as rheumatic pain, arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders.
Gynecological Health: Angelica gigas is primarily used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine to support women's health, particularly for gynecological disorders such as irregular menstruation, alleviating menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), and managing menopausal symptoms.
Immunomodulatory Effects: Some research suggests that Angelica gigas may possess immunomodulatory effects, meaning it may help modulate the immune system's response. This could potentially enhance immune function and contribute to overall health and well-being.
Antioxidant Activity: Angelica gigas contains bioactive compounds such as coumarins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which exhibit antioxidant activity. Antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, which are implicated in aging, inflammation, and various chronic diseases.
Cardiovascular Support: Angelica gigas is traditionally used to support cardiovascular health. Some studies suggest that it may help regulate blood pressure and improve circulation, although further research is needed to understand its cardiovascular effects fully.
Liver Protection: In traditional medicine, Angelica gigas is used to support liver health and detoxification. It is believed to have hepatoprotective properties, potentially protecting the liver from damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress.
3. Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai or Female Ginseng or Chinese):
Anti-inflammatory: Traditional Chinese medicine often uses Angelica sinensis as part of herbal formulas to address inflammatory conditions. Some preliminary research suggests that Angelica sinensis may possess anti-inflammatory activity through various mechanisms, including inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX), which are involved in the inflammatory process. Additionally, Angelica sinensis contains bioactive compounds such as ferulic acid and ligustilide, which have been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory effects.
Women's Health: Angelica sinensis, also known as Dong Quai, is highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its role in women's health. It can regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate menstrual cramps, and manage menopausal symptoms.
Blood Health: It is believed to have blood-tonifying properties and is used to nourish and invigorate the blood. It is often prescribed for conditions such as anemia and fatigue.
Cardiovascular Support: Some studies suggest that Angelica sinensis may have cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure regulation and improved circulation.
4. Angelica atropurpurea (purplestem or American, also known as masterwort):
The medicinal properties attributed to Angelica atropurpurea include its potential as a digestive aid, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory. Additionally, it has been historically used for its antispasmodic and expectorant properties.
All these common species of angelica are used medicinally, with some variations. They are all used for their anti-inflammatory properties and for promoting women's health.
THE MOTHER HERBS
Master Cho promotes herbs such as angelica and mugwort, both women's herbs, in his KNF practice. He focuses a lot of attention on the stage of life where plants (and animals) produce the next generation. In other words, he focuses a lot of attention on mothers and the mother herbs.
One of his main mother herbs is mugwort, widely used to promote women's health. It is also the main herb used to produce Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) for vegetative growth. The other mother herb is angelica.
Cho’s tonic formula, OHN, is used in almost every formulation. It has five ingredients but a double dose of angelica, making it of primary importance in the practice of KNF.
When we look at the angelica species, only Angelica gigas is known for its immunomodulation properties.
Master Cho talks about using his tonic formula, OHN, as an immunomodulator. In other words, it helps organisms cultivate their immune systems, one of the primary focuses of a tonic.
Therefore, whenever possible, for Korean Natural Farming (KNF), the species Angelica gigas should be grown and used. A. gigas is the species Master Cho uses. If A. gigas is unavailable, A. sinensis is probably the next best choice.
TONICS AND MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
A tonic is a substance or formulation that invigorates or strengthens the body or a specific organ system. The term "tonic" is often used in the context of herbal medicine or traditional remedies, typically referring to a preparation made from herbs or other natural ingredients believed to have a restorative or revitalizing effect on the body.
KEY POINTS ABOUT TONICS
Physical Invigoration: Tonics are often consumed with the aim of promoting overall health and well-being. They may be thought to increase energy levels, improve vitality, and enhance physical resilience.
Systemic Support: Different tonics may target specific organ systems or bodily functions. Some tonics are believed to support the immune system, while others may improve digestion, circulation, or hormonal balance.
Herbal Formulations: Tonics can be made from a variety of ingredients, including herbs, roots, barks, fruits, and vegetables. Herbal tonics often combine multiple botanical ingredients known for their purported health benefits. Efficacy is often better with synergistic effects of combinations.
Long-Term Use: Tonics are often used over an extended period, with the idea that their effects may gradually accumulate over time to support overall health and vitality. They may be consumed daily or as part of a periodic regimen.
Cultural and Traditional Practices: The concept of tonics is deeply rooted in traditional medicine systems worldwide, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and Western herbalism. Different cultures have their own traditions and tonic formulations based on local plants and healing practices.
The key points above are focused on human health. They are included here because Korean Natural Farming is as much about human health as it is about crop and livestock health. The tonic OHN is often taken by Natural Farmers daily.
Similar effects to those listed above are expected in plants and animals, as we all utilize the same hormones, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and cofactors.
When you spray your crops with a formula containing OHN, expect the tonic to support your plants (and animals) in the same basic ways. OHN will modulate the immune system and support bodily functions. It works best as part of a formula and is suited for long-term, regular use.
CAUTION
It's important to note that while these angelica species have a long history of traditional use in various cultures for medicinal purposes, scientific research on their efficacy and safety is ongoing, and scientific evidence supporting their efficacy can vary.
Individuals interested in using angelica for medicinal purposes should consult with a healthcare professional, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications, as there may be potential interactions and contraindications.
USE OF ANGELICA IN KOREAN NATURAL FARMING (KNF)
Angelica gigas is used in Korean Natural Farming as the main ingredient in the tonic Oriental Herbal Nutrient (OHN). This is a specific tonic recipe developed by Master Cho Han-Kyu. It is added to all formulas used to mist plants weekly following the Nutritive Cycle.
It is perhaps the most important herb used in KNF and is easy to grow. It takes two years to be able to harvest mature roots, so planting should begin as soon as possible. The quality of the herb you grow will be substantially better than any dried roots you can buy commercially.
Calculate how much you will use on your property and grow enough for your needs. Grow enough for your plants and animals, and be sure to grow enough so your family can enjoy the health benefits of OHN as well.
Angelica undergoes two main steps before it is added with licorice, cinnamon, garlic, and ginger to become OHN. Two parts of angelica are added to one part of each of the other ingredients. Each ingredient is processed and stored separately and is only combined when ready to use.
The first step is fermentation to make the biochemistry bioavailable. When using dried root material, an additional rehydration step must be taken before fermentation can take place.
The second step is alcohol extraction. The angelica is extracted five times, each fraction removing a slightly different set of biochemicals, as some chemicals are easily extracted and others take a long time to be pulled from the plant material. All five extractions of angelica are added together into the same jar for a complete complement of the biochemistry found in this amazing herb.
Detailed instructions can be found in our other materials.
Comments