Plant Profile

Angelica

Angelica archangelica
Family: Apiaceae  ·  Parts used: Root, Fruit and seed, Leaf (standardised extract)  ·  Also known as: Garden angelica, Wild celery, Norwegian angelica, Angel plant

The complete database record: 3 documented constituents, 12 pharmacological actions, 20 traditional / indicated uses, with 22 cited sources.

Botanical Description

Tall, robust biennial or short-lived perennial herb with a stout, hollow, ridged stem, often tinged purple. The leaves are large, bright green, 2-3-pinnately divided into broad, coarsely toothed leaflets, borne on inflated, sheathing stalks. Large, rounded compound umbels of small greenish-white to yellow-green flowers are borne at the stem tips, followed by pale, ribbed, winged fruit. The whole plant is strongly and pleasantly aromatic (sweet, celery- or juniper-like) when crushed.[6]

Height: 1-2.5 m
Habit: Tall, robust biennial to short-lived perennial herb
Leaves: Large, 2-3-pinnately divided, coarsely toothed leaflets on inflated sheathing stalks
Flowers: Large, rounded compound umbels of small greenish-white to yellow-green flowers
Stem: Stout, hollow, ridged, often purple-tinged, hairless
Root: Thick, aromatic taproot
Fruit: Pale, ribbed, winged fruit (mericarp)
Flowering Period: June-August

Habitat & Distribution

Native to northern and eastern Europe and parts of Asia, growing in damp meadows, riverbanks, ditches and woodland margins on moist, rich soils; also widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb.[6]

Harvesting

The root is dug in autumn of the first year (or spring of the second, before flowering), when its aromatic oil content is highest; the ripe fruit/seed is collected in late summer as the umbels dry; leaves for standardised extract are picked through the growing season. Careful identification against deadly Apiaceae look-alikes (poison hemlock, water hemlock, hemlock water-dropwort) is essential before wild-harvesting.[6]

Parts: Root, Fruit and seed, Leaf (standardised extract)
Season: Root in autumn/early spring; fruit and seed in late summer; leaf through the growing season

Key Constituents

Coumarins and furanocoumarins[1, 2, 6, 7]

Including columbianetin, angelicin, imperatorin and xanthotoxin.

Coumarins
Essential (volatile) oil[4, 5, 6, 8]

Rich in monoterpenes such as alpha-pinene and beta-phellandrene; gives the aromatic, carminative character.

Essential (volatile) oilTerpenes / terpenoids
Phenolic acids and flavonoids[6, 9]

Antioxidant constituents.

Phenolic acidsFlavonoids

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[1, 2, 4, 6, 7]

Anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective

Parts: Root
Anticancer (preclinical)[13, 14]

Angelica archangelica fruit tincture and its furanocoumarins (imperatorin, xanthotoxin) show antiproliferative activity against pancreatic and larynx cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma cells (preclinical).

Anticonvulsant[1, 2, 6, 15]

Anticonvulsant and cognition-supporting (preclinical)

Parts: Fruit and seed
Anxiolytic / calming[1, 3, 6]

Anxiolytic / sedative (anxiety, nervous tension)

Parts: Fruit and seed
Bitter digestive tonic / stomachic[6]

Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)

Parts: Root
Carminative[6]

Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)

Parts: Root
Diaphoretic[6]

Diaphoretic / expectorant support during colds

Parts: Root
Digestive aid[6]

Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)

Parts: Root
Expectorant[6]

Diaphoretic / expectorant support during colds

Parts: Root
Gastroprotective[1, 2, 6, 7]

Anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective

Parts: Root
Neuroprotective / cognition support[1, 2, 6, 15]

Anticonvulsant and cognition-supporting (preclinical)

Parts: Fruit and seed
Sedative / sleep support[1, 3, 6]

Anxiolytic / sedative (anxiety, nervous tension)

Parts: Fruit and seed

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Acid reflux[1, 2, 6, 7]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from gastroprotective action

Evidence: 2
Label: Acid reflux

more plants for acid reflux →detailed sources →

Anxiety[1, 6]Preliminary · 2/10

Anxiolytic / sedative (anxiety, nervous tension)

Evidence: 2
Label: Anxiety

more plants for anxiety →detailed sources →

Loss of appetite[6]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from bitter-tonic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Loss of appetite

more plants for loss of appetite →detailed sources →

Arthritis / joint pain[1, 2, 6, 7]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain

more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →

Bloating[6]Preliminary · 1/10

Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)

Evidence: 1
Label: Bloating

more plants for bloating →detailed sources →

Bronchitis[6]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bronchitis

more plants for bronchitis →detailed sources →

Cancer (anticancer research)[13, 14]Preliminary · 2/10

Angelica archangelica fruit tincture is antiproliferative against PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells; its furanocoumarins imperatorin and xanthotoxin drive this activity and inhibit larynx cancer and rhabdomyosarcoma cell growth (preclinical).

Evidence: 2
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)

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Cognitive function[1, 2, 6, 15]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 2
Label: Cognitive function

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Cold & flu[6]Preliminary · 1/10

Diaphoretic / expectorant support during colds

Evidence: 1
Label: Cold & flu

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Cough[6]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cough

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Fever[6]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from diaphoretic action

Evidence: 1
Label: Fever

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Indigestion[6]Preliminary · 1/10

Carminative and aromatic bitter digestive (indigestion, bloating, flatulence)

Evidence: 1
Label: Indigestion

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Inflammation (general)[1, 2, 6, 7]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)

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Insomnia / sleeplessness[1, 6]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 2
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness

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Memory[1, 2, 6, 15]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from neuroprotective action

Evidence: 2
Label: Memory

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Nervous tension[1, 6]Preliminary · 2/10

Anxiolytic / sedative (anxiety, nervous tension)

Evidence: 2
Label: Nervous tension

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Respiratory support[6]Preliminary · 1/10

inferred from expectorant action

Evidence: 1
Label: Respiratory support

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Skin irritation[1, 2, 6, 7]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation

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Stress[1, 6]Preliminary · 2/10

inferred from anxiolytic action

Evidence: 2
Label: Stress

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Urinary support[11]Moderate · 5/10

Overactive bladder - a pilot RCT of an Angelica archangelica leaf extract reduced daytime voids and storage symptoms and improved quality of life, with near-significant benefit for nocturia

Evidence: 5
Label: Urinary support

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Traditional Use & History

Angelica root has a long Northern European tradition as an aromatic bitter and carminative digestive remedy for indigestion, bloating and flatulence, as a diaphoretic and expectorant support during colds, and the seed/fruit as a calming, anxiolytic nervine. It has also been candied and used as a flavouring.[6]

Preparations

Decoction/infusion (root)[6]

Dried root decocted or infused in hot water as a bitter digestive and carminative tea.

Infusion (seed)[6]

Crushed fruit/seed infused as a calming, carminative tea.

Standardised leaf extract[11]

Concentrated leaf extract studied in a pilot clinical trial for overactive bladder symptoms.

Dosage

Root infusion/decoction[12]

Health Canada's NNHPD monograph gives 0.3-12 g of dried root and rhizome per day for adults 18 years and older, with infusion and decoction among the accepted methods of preparation. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Tincture (1:5)[12]

Health Canada's NNHPD monograph accepts a tincture among the methods of preparation for angelica root and rhizome, within the same 0.3-12 g dried-equivalent daily range for adults 18 years and older; it does not state a tincture ratio or volume. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[6]Caution

Contains furanocoumarins, which can cause photosensitivity; avoid excessive sun or UV exposure while using the herb medicinally.

Safety note[6]Caution

Medicinal doses should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Safety note[6]Caution

Coumarin constituents may interact with anticoagulant medicines, and furanocoumarins with photosensitising drugs; when wild-harvesting, take great care to distinguish garden angelica from poisonous Apiaceae look-alikes such as hemlock.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Sedatives Cns Depressants[16, 17]Caution
Mechanism: Angelica is traditionally used as a calming, sedative herb; taken with sedatives, sleeping tablets or other central-nervous-system depressants (including alcohol) it may add to drowsiness and slowed reactions.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Dangerous Lookalikes

Conium Maculatum[18, 19]Fatal
Confused Part: The tall hollow stems, ferny leaves and white umbels - the parts cut for candied or cooked stem or leaf.
Confusion Context: Poison hemlock is the classic deadly umbellifer confused with edible ones. It shares angelica's tall hollow stem and white umbels, and both can show purple on the stem - but hemlock's is discrete spots and blotches while angelica's is an even flush. Coniine causes a paralysis that stops breathing; a mouthful can be lethal.
Distinguishing Features: Stem markings: poison hemlock has distinct purple-red spots and blotches scattered on a smooth, hairless stem; angelica's stem is uniformly green or evenly purple-flushed, never discretely spotted., Smell: crushed angelica is strongly and pleasantly aromatic (sweet, celery- or juniper-like); crushed poison hemlock smells rank and mousy. A foul mousy smell is a hard no., Leaf cut: hemlock leaves are finely divided and fern-like; angelica leaflets are broad, large, bright green and coarsely toothed.
Key Test: Inspect the lower stem in good light: discrete purple-red spots or blotches on a smooth, hairless stem = poison hemlock - do not eat. Angelica's purple, if any, is an even flush, and it smells sweetly aromatic, never mousy.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Cicuta Virosa[20]Fatal
Confused Part: Wet-habitat plants: the rootstock and lower stem, plus the tall hollow stems and white umbels.
Confusion Context: Water hemlock is among the most violently toxic temperate plants; its cicutoxin causes sudden severe convulsions, often fatal. Its roots have been eaten by mistake for 'wild carrot' and other roots, and it shares angelica's wet, streamside habitat.
Distinguishing Features: Cut the rootstock lengthwise: water hemlock's is hollow and chambered (with horizontal cross-partitions) and exudes a yellowish oily juice; angelica's root is solid. This is the single most reliable trait., Water hemlock's lateral leaf-veins run to the notches between the marginal teeth ('vein to the cut'); angelica's veins run to the tips of the teeth.
Key Test: Slice the rootstock lengthwise: a hollow, horizontally chambered root with a yellowish oily juice = water hemlock - do not eat. Angelica's root is solid.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Oenanthe Crocata[21]Fatal
Confused Part: Wet-habitat plant: the fleshy root tubers and celery- or parsley-like leaves.
Confusion Context: Hemlock water-dropwort is one of the deadliest plants in Britain and western Europe; its oenanthotoxin causes violent convulsions, and its pleasant-smelling fleshy roots and celery-like leaves are notoriously mistaken for edible wild vegetables. It shares angelica's wet streamside habitat.
Distinguishing Features: Hemlock water-dropwort has a cluster of pale, fleshy, finger-like root tubers ('dead man's fingers'); angelica has a single solid taproot, not a bunch of tubers., Its roots can smell pleasant and sweetish, so never use smell to clear it - go by the root form and the wet habitat.
Key Test: Examine the roots: a cluster of pale, fleshy, finger-like tubers in wet ground = hemlock water-dropwort - do not eat. Angelica has one solid taproot. Because its roots can smell pleasant, never rely on smell here.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Heracleum Mantegazzianum[22]Irritant
Confused Part: The huge hollow stems and large divided leaves of a tall umbellifer.
Confusion Context: Giant hogweed has the same broad silhouette as angelica (very tall hollow stem, big divided leaves, large white umbels) and grows in similar damp margins. Its main hazard is contact, not eating: its sap contains furanocoumarins that make skin blister and burn severely in sunlight (phytophotodermatitis), leaving long-lasting scars.
Distinguishing Features: Size: giant hogweed is enormous - 2 to 5 m tall, with leaves up to 1 to 1.5 m and umbels up to about 50 cm across - dwarfing angelica., Stem surface: hogweed stems are green with purple blotches AND covered in coarse, stiff white bristles; angelica's stem is smooth and hairless.
Key Test: A massive (over about 2 m) stem with purple blotches AND coarse white bristly hairs = giant hogweed - do not cut or handle it with bare skin, because its sap causes severe sunlight burns. Angelica's stem is smooth and hairless.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Harvest Readiness

[10]

Part: root
Signals: Dig the root in the autumn of the first year, before the plant runs up to flower in its second year - the first-year root is then least liable to become mouldy or worm-eaten., SAFETY: angelica is a large Apiaceae confusable with the FATAL poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), cowbane (Cicuta virosa) and hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), and with giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum). Confirm identity before gathering - see this plant's Dangerous Lookalikes.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: The root should be dug up in the autumn of the first year, as it is then least liable to become mouldy and worm-eaten
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3202), for Angelica archangelica. Single source -> provisional.

[10]

Part: leaf
Signals: Cut the whole herb for medicinal use in early summer (about June), shortly above the root; leaves may be cut from the summer after transplanting., SAFETY: confirm identity before gathering - angelica is confusable with the FATAL hemlock/cowbane/hemlock-water-dropwort Apiaceae. See this plant's Dangerous Lookalikes.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: The whole herb, if for medicinal use, should be collected in June and cut shortly above the root.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3202). Single source -> provisional.

[10]

Part: seed
Signals: Gather the seeds (the ripe fruit) when ripe, in late summer after flowering, and dry.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: If the seeds are required, they should be gathered when ripe and dried.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: Grieve, A Modern Herbal (REF-3202). parts_used lists 'Fruit and seed'; angelica's fruit is the ripe schizocarp (the seed). Single source -> provisional.

External Identifiers

References & Sources

  1. Kaur, A. and Bhatti, R (2021) 'Understanding the phytochemistry and molecular insights to the pharmacology of Angelica archangelica L. (garden angelica) and its bioactive components', Phytotherapy Research, 35(11), pp. 5961--5979. doi:10.1002/ptr.7206 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7206
  2. Kaur, A., Singh, N., Bhatti, M.S. and Bhatti, R (2020) 'Optimization of extraction conditions of Angelica archangelica extract and activity evaluation in experimental fibromyalgia', Journal of Food Science, 85(11), pp. 3700--3710. doi:10.1111/1750-3841.15476 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.15476
  3. Kumar, D. and Bhat, Z.A (2012) 'Anti-anxiety Activity of Methanolic Extracts of Different Parts of Angelica archangelica Linn', Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2(3), pp. 235-241. doi:10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30105-5 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1016/s2225-4110(16)30105-5
  4. Fraternale, D. and Teodori, L. and Rudov, A. and Prattichizzo, F. and Olivieri, F. and Guidarelli, A. and Albertini, M.C (2018) 'The In Vitro Activity of Angelica archangelica L. Essential Oil on Inflammation', Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(12), pp. 1238-1243. doi:10.1089/jmf.2018.0017 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2018.0017
  5. Fraternale, D. and Flamini, G. and Ricci, D (2014) 'Essential oil composition and antimicrobial activity of Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae) roots', Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(9), pp. 1043-1047. doi:10.1089/jmf.2013.0012 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2013.0012
  6. Kaur, A. and Bhatti, R (2021) 'Understanding the phytochemistry and molecular insights to the pharmacology of Angelica archangelica L. (garden angelica) and its bioactive components', Phytotherapy Research. doi:10.1002/ptr.7206 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7206
  7. Patel, D.K. and Patel, K (2023) 'Biological Potential and Pharmacological Activity of Columbianetin in Chronic Diseases', Drug Metabolism and Bioanalysis Letters. doi:10.2174/1872312815666230124154630 Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1872312815666230124154630
  8. Suenaga-Hiromori, M., Mogi, D., Kikuchi, Y., Tong, J., Kurisu, N., Aoki, Y. and others (2022) 'Comprehensive identification of terpene synthase genes and organ-dependent accumulation of terpenoid volatiles in a traditional medicinal plant Angelica archangelica L', Plant Biotechnology, 39(4), pp. 391--404. doi:10.5511/plantbiotechnology.22.1006a Traditional / reference
    https://doi.org/10.5511/plantbiotechnology.22.1006a
  9. Raafat, B.M., Gamal-Eldeen, A.M., Almehmadi, M.M., El-Daly, S.M., Faizo, N.L. and Althobaiti, F (2022) 'Angelica archangelica and Ginkgo biloba Extracts Recover Functional Blood Hemoglobin Derivatives in Rabbits Exposed to High Altitude', Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 23(11), pp. 1377--1382. doi:10.2174/1389201022666211118112356 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.2174/1389201022666211118112356
  10. Grieve, M (1931) 'Angelica (Angelica archangelica) — A Modern Herbal'. Available at: https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anegl037.html Traditional / reference
    https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anegl037.html
  11. Lopez-Seoane, J., Gesteiro, E., Castro-Alija, M.J., Quesada-Gonzalez, C., Perez-Ruiz, M. and Gonzalez-Gross, M (2025) 'Effects of Angelica archangelica Extract on Overactive Bladder: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial', Food Science & Nutrition, 13(12). doi:10.1002/fsn3.71258 Randomized trial
    https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.71258
  12. Health Canada, Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (2026) 'Natural Health Product Monograph: Angelica - Angelica archangelica'. Available at: https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_angelica_english.pdf Traditional / reference
    https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/dbImages/mono_angelica_english.pdf
  13. Sigurdsson, S. and Ogmundsdottir, H.M. and Gudbjarnason, S (2004) 'Antiproliferative effect of Angelica archangelica fruits', Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C, 59(7-8), pp. 523-527. doi:10.1515/znc-2004-7-813 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2004-7-813
  14. Grabarska, A. and Skalicka-Wozniak, K. and Kielbus, M. and Dmoszynska-Graniczka, M. and Miziak, P. and Szumilo, J. and Nowosadzka, E. and Kowalczuk, K. and Khalifa, S. and Smok-Kalwat, J. and Klatka, J. and Kupisz, K. and Polberg, K. and Rivero-Muller, A. and Stepulak, A (2020) 'Imperatorin as a Promising Chemotherapeutic Agent Against Human Larynx Cancer and Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells', Molecules, 25(9), pp. 2046. doi:10.3390/molecules25092046 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25092046
  15. Suciu, F., Mihai, D.P., Ungurianu, A., Andrei, C., Puscasu, C., Chitescu, C.L. and others (2025) 'Investigation of Anticonvulsant Potential of Morus, Angelica, Passiflora and Viola Extracts: In Vivo and In Silico Studies', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(13). doi:10.3390/ijms26136426 Preclinical
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136426
  16. Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201
  17. Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
  18. Dayan, A.D (2024) 'Death of Socrates: a likely case of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) poisoning', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 62(1), pp. 56-60. doi:10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2024.2309328
  19. King County Noxious Weeds (2024) 'Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) identification and control'. Available at: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock Traditional / reference
    https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dnrp/nature-recreation/environment-ecology-conservation/noxious-weeds/identification-control/poison-hemlock
  20. Heath, K.B (2001) 'A fatal case of apparent water hemlock poisoning', Veterinary and Human Toxicology, 43(1), pp. 35-6. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11205076/ Clinical study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11205076/
  21. Mitchell, M.I. and Routledge, P.A (1978) 'Hemlock water dropwort poisoning - a review', Clinical Toxicology, 12(4), pp. 417-26. doi:10.3109/15563657809150012 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.3109/15563657809150012
  22. Lagey, K. and Duinslaeger, L. and Vanderkelen, A (1995) 'Burns induced by plants', Burns, 21(7), pp. 542-3. doi:10.1016/0305-4179(95)00026-8 Clinical study
    https://doi.org/10.1016/0305-4179(95)00026-8

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Selected studies & references

Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions - always check before use.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.
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