Single Herb Glossary
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) |
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.