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Cura x Cura

Bai Zhi白芷

Angelicae Dahuricae Radix · Angelica Dahurica Root · Fragrant Angelica Root

Herbs that Release the Exterior 解表药《神农本草经》

Overview

The pain-relieving, orifice-opening member of the warm exterior-releasing group: acrid and strongly aromatic, it pushes wind-cold outward and travels the Yangming channel to the forehead, brow and face — which is why it is reached for in frontal headache, blocked sinuses and toothache. It also dries damp discharge and reduces the swelling of early-stage sores.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid · Warm

Channels

Lung · Stomach · Large Intestine

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
白芷Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

4 core actions

  • Releases the exterior, dispels wind-coldWind-cold invasion with headache, body ache and nasal congestion.
  • Dispels wind, relieves painFrontal and supraorbital headache, facial pain and toothache — its channel affinity makes it the go-to guide herb for the front of the head.
  • Opens the nasal passagesBlocked nose, thick discharge and sinus pressure; a standing component of Cang Er Zi San.
  • Dries dampness, reduces swelling and expels pusDamp vaginal discharge; early sores and abscesses that are still forming, and lingering ones slow to discharge.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Bai Zhi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Wind-cold headache and nasal congestion
    - Frontal and supraorbital headache, toothache, facial pain
    - Sinus congestion with thick discharge
    - Damp vaginal discharge
    - Early-stage sores and abscesses

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

SinusitisFrontal headacheToothacheRhinitis

Contraindications

Cautions

Acrid, warm and drying: not appropriate for headache arising from yin or blood deficiency, nor where there is heat with dryness. Angelica dahurica contains furanocoumarins and can raise sensitivity to sunlight — advise sun protection, particularly for patients also taking photosensitising medication or receiving light therapy.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Not a classical pregnancy contraindication — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.