Dahurian Angelica Root

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

• Expels wind and releases the exterior - Bai Zhi is used for wind-cold headache, body discomfort, and early-stage exterior patterns, especially when frontal pain is prominent.
• Alleviates pain and opens the nasal passages - it is a classic herb for Yangming-channel headache, sinus congestion, rhinitis, and toothache centered in the forehead, nose, and gums.
• Dries dampness and stops leukorrhea - its warm, aromatic, drying nature is applied to damp-related vaginal discharge patterns.
• Reduces swelling and promotes discharge of pus - Bai Zhi is used for early sores, abscesses, and skin conditions where it helps open, vent, and move stagnation.

Secondary Actions

• Bai Zhi is especially associated with the face, sinuses, gums, and frontal head, which explains why it shows up so often in headache and nasal formulas.
• Because it is warm, fragrant, and drying, it is best matched to obstructive wind-cold or damp patterns rather than to true yin-deficient heat and dryness.

Classic Formulas

• Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang - Bai Zhi helps release wind-cold and specifically addresses frontal headache in this classic exterior-dispelling formula.
• Bai Zhi with Cang Er Zi and Xin Yi - the standard nasal-opening combination for chronic congestion, sinus blockage, and headache behind the brow line.
• Bai Zhi with Huang Bai, Bai Zhu, and Shan Yao - a traditional damp-drying and discharge-controlling strategy for leukorrhea.

Classical References

• Traditional texts describe Bai Zhi as acrid and warm, entering the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine to release the exterior, relieve pain, unblock the nose, and dry dampness.
• Because it enters the Yangming channels of the face, Bai Zhi is one of the most characteristic herbs for frontal headache, supraorbital pain, gum swelling, and toothache.
• Older cautions consistently note that Bai Zhi's warm and drying fragrance is unsuitable for blood heat and yin-deficient dryness.