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Bái Zhǐ 白芷

Pharmaceutical name Angelicae Dahuricae Radix angelica root
Category Warm, Acrid, Release the Exterior
Key Properties Aromatic, warm, Releases the Exterior
Opens orifices (especially the nose)
Dries dampness
(frequently used for Wind Cold frontal headaches)
Properties Acrid
Warm
Tropism LU, ST, SP
Actions & Indications 1) Expel Wind, Eliminate Damp, Unblock Nasal Passages, Alleviate Pain (Yang Ming Headache)
2) Reduces swelling, expels pus (sores and carbuncles)
3) Expels damp & alleviates Discharge (vaginal discharge)
4) Other Uses: with Gan Cao for ulcer
Dosages 3-9 g
Contraindications (TCM) Febrile disorders, Yin Deficiency or Heat in the Blood.
Once a sore has ulcerated, the use of this herb should be tapered off.
Contraindications (Western)
Chemical Composition Coumarins (oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, isoimperatorin),
byak-angelicin, byak-angelicol, anhydrobyakangelicin, neobyakangelicol, oxypeucedanin hydrate, phellopterin, xanthotoxin, scopoletin, byakangelicin hydrate,
xanthotoxol, isooxypeucedanin, cnidilin, pabulenol, essential oil 0.24% (methylcyclodecanc, l-tetradecene)
Pharmacological Effects • Antibiotic: decoction has inhibitory effect against E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus proteus, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, Mycobacterium tuberculosis hominis, and Shigella spp
• Anti-inflammatory: decoction has marked anti-inflammatory effects in mice; administration of 4g/kg effective in treating otitis media in mice
• Analgesic and antipyretic: decoction at dosage of 15 g/kg demonstrated significant analgesic and antipyretic actions in mice; 8 g/kg slightly less effective than 15 g/kg
• Antispasmodic: various components have marked muscle-relaxant qualities; Scopoletin showed marked antispasmodic effect on the uterus in mice with ED50 of 0.09 mg/kg
• Other: in laboratory animals, affects cardiovascular system by lowering heart rate and decreasing blood pressure, excites the respiratory system to increase depth of breathing, also stimulates nervous system; mild hemostatic effect
Herb-Drug Interactions
Classical Formula(s)

Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium Powder ) 蒼耳子散

Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San Ligusticum Chuanxiong Powder to be Taken with Gree 川芎茶調散 (川芎茶调散)

Da Qin Jiao Tang (Major Large Gentian Decoction) 大秦艽湯

Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang (Schizonepeta and Forsythia Decoction) 荊芥連翹湯

Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang (Nine-Herb Decoction with Notopterygium) 九味羌活湯

Qian Jin Nei Tuo San (Powder to Support the Interior Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces) 千金内托散

Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang (Ginseng decoction to nourish luxuriance) 人參養榮湯 (人参养荣汤)

Shang Zhong Xia Tong Yong Tong Feng Wan (Pill to Treat Painful Wind Anywhere) 上中下通用痛風丸

Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginsing, poria and white atractylodes powder) 蔘苓白朮散

Shi Shen Tang (Ten-Miracle Decoction) 十神湯

Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin (Support the Interior and Eliminate Toxin Drink) 托裡消毒飲

Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang (Buplerum and Kudzu Decoction to Release the Muscle Layer) 柴葛解肌汤

Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San (Agastache powder to Rectify the Qi) 藿香正氣散 (藿香正气散)

Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin (Sixteen Ingredient Drink for Qi Flow) 十六味流氣飲

Wu Ji San (Five-accumula-tion powder) 五积散

Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Immortals Formula for Sustaining Life) 仙方活命飲

Yu Zhen San (True Jade Powder) 玉真散



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This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.