Angelica dietary supplement: what it is and why people use it

Angelica is a common herbal supplement that shows up in traditional medicine across Asia and Europe. You might see two names most often: Angelica archangelica and Angelica sinensis (often called dong quai). People use the root in teas, capsules, tinctures, or powdered form. It’s popular for menstrual support, mild circulation issues, digestion, and general wellness.

What people use Angelica for

Many users take angelica for menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, and to ease mild menopausal symptoms. Some take it for digestive discomfort like bloating or sluggish digestion. The herb contains compounds such as ferulic acid and ligustilide, which labs show have anti-inflammatory and mild muscle-relaxing effects. That doesn’t mean it cures anything, but those compounds help explain why people report relief.

Athletes and people with cold hands or feet sometimes use angelica for circulation. In traditional systems, it’s also used to calm mild nerve tension. If you try it, expect subtle effects over days to weeks rather than an immediate fix.

Safety, dosage, and buying tips

Common doses vary by product. For dried root, people often use about 1–3 grams daily; tinctures and extracts come with their own instructions. Follow the label and talk to a healthcare provider before starting, especially if you take other medications.

Important safety points: don’t use angelica if you’re pregnant—some forms can stimulate uterine activity. Stop it before surgery and avoid it with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) because it can increase bleeding risk. Some people get stomach upset, dizziness, or a rash. Angelica can increase sensitivity to sunlight for some users, so use sunscreen if you’re outdoors a lot.

When buying, pick brands with third-party testing or clear ingredient lists. Look for standardized extracts or clear root percentages. Avoid products that don’t list the botanical name—Angelica sinensis and Angelica archangelica have different traditional uses. Read reviews and check for batch testing or certificates of analysis when possible.

If you want to try angelica, start with a low dose for a week to watch for reactions. Note any changes and discuss them with your doctor, especially if you’re on meds for blood pressure, heart rhythm, or clotting. Used carefully, angelica can be a helpful, gentle option for some people—but it’s not risk-free, so treat it like any other supplement.