Bái Zhǐ (白芷) — Angelica dahurica Root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Cautions
6. 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Releases the exterior, expels Wind, alleviates pain
2. Opens the nasal passages
3. Reduces swelling, expels pus
4. Dries Damp and stops vaginal discharge

Indications

1. Wind-Cold exterior with frontal headache, nasal congestion, body aches
2. Yangming headache — frontal headache, supraorbital pain
3. Sinus headache, acute or chronic sinusitis
4. Toothache from Wind-Heat or Stomach Fire
5. Sores and abscesses (early stage to disperse, later stage to expel pus)
6. 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. 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.

6. 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.

Return to the Chinese herb directory.