Bái Zhǐ (白芷) — Angelica dahurica Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Bái Zhǐ (白芷) — Angelica dahurica root — is one of the most useful warm acrid herbs in Chinese practice. It releases the exterior in Wind-Cold patterns, opens the nasal passages and clears the head, and is particularly valued for treating pain in the head and face. It is the herb of choice for frontal headache, sinus headache, sinusitis and toothache, mapping onto the path of the Yangming channel which runs over the forehead and face.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Bái Zhǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 白芷 |
| Latin name | Angelica dahurica |
| English name | Angelica dahurica root |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels entered | Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine |
| Category | Warm acrid herbs that release the exterior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Releases the exterior, expels Wind, alleviates pain
- Opens the nasal passages
- Reduces swelling, expels pus
- Dries Damp and stops vaginal discharge
Indications
- Wind-Cold exterior with frontal headache, nasal congestion, body aches
- Yangming headache — frontal headache, supraorbital pain
- Sinus headache, acute or chronic sinusitis
- Toothache from Wind-Heat or Stomach Fire
- Sores and abscesses (early stage to disperse, later stage to expel pus)
- Damp leucorrhoea
4. Key formulas containing Bái Zhǐ
- Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San — headache from Wind invasion
- Xin Yi San — sinusitis and nasal congestion
- Cang Er Zi San — nasal congestion and rhinitis
- Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin — early-stage skin abscess
5. Incompatibilities
Bái Zhǐ (白芷) Angelica dahurica Root is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. Cautions
Avoid in Yin deficiency with Heat and in Blood deficiency. Contains furanocoumarins — theoretical phototoxicity at high doses; usually irrelevant at clinical doses. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Pattern contraindications
Contraindicated in Yin and Blood deficiency, spontaneous sweating, and Heat patterns. Short courses only — designed to release surface invasion, not for long-term use.
Modern drug interactions
Diaphoretic Wind-Cold-releasing herbs can interact with sympathomimetics, MAOIs, decongestants, antihypertensives and stimulants. Ma Huang (Ephedra) is largely banned in the UK and Europe for this reason; safer alternatives (Gui Zhi, Zi Su Ye) have only mild interactions but should still be reviewed if you take prescription medication.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Bai Zhi within tailored formulas for sinusitis, frontal and sinus headaches, and migraines with Yangming localisation. I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available.
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