Evidence supporting the use of: Angelica archanglica
For the health condition: Colds (decongestant)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Angelica archangelica, commonly known as garden angelica, has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly as a remedy for respiratory ailments such as colds and congestion. Historical texts and folk medicine records from Scandinavia and broader Europe describe angelica root as a warming, aromatic herb thought to help expel phlegm, open the airways, and ease breathing during upper respiratory tract infections. These traditional uses have led to its inclusion in some herbal cough syrups, teas, and decongestant formulations.
However, modern scientific studies directly investigating the decongestant or anti-cold effects of Angelica archangelica in humans are extremely limited. While the plant contains various essential oils (e.g., α-pinene, limonene) and coumarins with potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in vitro, clinical trials substantiating its efficacy as a decongestant are lacking. Thus, its use for colds is primarily justified by traditional knowledge, with only weak indirect support from laboratory studies of its constituents’ properties. Based on available evidence, angelica’s reputation for helping with congestion is supported by tradition rather than rigorous scientific research.
More about Angelica archanglica
More about Colds (decongestant)
Other ingredients used for Colds (decongestant)
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basil
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
radish
capsaicinoids
chen pi
citrus oil
clove
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
green tea
horseradish
honeysuckle
lemon
licorice root
mint
mustard seed
oregano
peppermint oil
pineapple
pomegranate
quercetin
rhizome
rosemary
schizonepeta
spearmint leaf
thyme
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
water
zinc
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
boxthorne
lemongrass
yerba santa
chrysanthemum
sweet flag
eucalyptus
menthol oil
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Andrographis
Asteracea
allyl isothiocyanate
Allium tuberosum
Arani
Atractylone
Baphicacanthus cusia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
berry
Bee products
Buddha's Hand
Borneol
Coconut
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Citrus
Cineole
Capsaicin
Cajuput
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
Dragonhead
Ephedra
English Horsemint
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
Mustard
salt
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Angelica archanglica
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anorexia
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Belching
Bronchitis
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Dyspepsia
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Goiter
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervous Exhaustion
Pain (general remedies for)
Skin (infections)
Sore Throat
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores