Bai Zhi - Angelica Root
TCM Materia Medica
Bai Zhi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "bai zhi" which in english is 
"angelica root", is categorized within the "herbs that release the exterior wind cold" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the lung and stomach channels and exhibits acrid and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Expels wind-cold, dampness
- Opens nasal passages, sinus congestion (particularly with green discharge), alleviates pain (especially in the head region)
- Resolve wind-cold symptoms especially with headaches (yangming - ST), supraorbital pain, congestion
- Useful for swollen gums and toothache
Bai Zhi has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid in Yin/Blood deficiency
- Avoid in Heat in the Blood
Bai Zhi may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: sinus infection
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, bai zhi is generally included in the following 13 formulas:
ViewBao Ji Wan (Protect and Relieve Pills)
Cramping and/or painful distension of the abdomen. Foul smelling belching or gas with diarrhea due to heat in the intestine. May alleviate some hangover symptoms. Also useful to treat food poisoni…
ViewBi Yan Wan (Nose Inflammation Tablets)
For acute or chronic rhinitis resulting from the combination of lung qi deficiency and phlegm accumulation. Runny nose, sneezing, congestion due to phlegm. Can be used to treat for general cold or …
ViewChuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan (Ligusticum Tea Pills)
Headaches, primarily from wind-cold (but used with wind-heat/wind-damp), with neck stiffness, muscle aches and/or nasal discharge. In certain cases may be useful for migraines, frequent headaches - …
ViewFu Fang Qing Dai Wan (Indigo Combo Pills)
Itching, rashes, general skin irritation especially of the type that moves around or is intermittent. Insect bites, allergic contact dermatitis, poison ivy/oak/sumac, sun burn.
ViewHuo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan (Agastache Powder to Correct the Qi)
Acute flu or cold symptoms including fever, aversion to cold, headaches, sinus pressure, runny nose. Vomitting and diarrhea from interior damp with possible abdominal cramps or pains.
ViewPian Tou Tong Wan (Migraine Pills)
Headaches and/or migraines caused by liver yang or liver fire rising.
ViewShu Jing Huo Xue Wan (Relax The Channels and Invigorate The Blood Decoction)
Primarily used for blood stasis with wind-damp in the channels and collaterals characterized by internal deficiency with external excesses - joint pain, muscle aches, numbness and/or pain in the lowe…
ViewTe Xiao Bi Min Gan Wan (Specially Effective Nasal Allergy Pills)
Generally useful for a range of allergy symptoms - seasonal allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis, dry or watery eyes, sinus headaches, etc. Can be used both as a preventative and as a symptomatic aid for …
ViewTe Xiao Jing Zhui Tong Wan (Patent Neck Pain Relief Pills)
Stiffness, pain, and/or tightness of the neck.
ViewTong Qiao Huo Xue Wan (Unblock the Orifices and Invigorate the Blood Decoction)
Blood stagnation particularly in the head - migraines and/or headaches with other sensory factors - auras, sound sensitivity, etc. Dizziness, tinnitus, hair loss - with underlying blood stagnation s…
ViewXian Fang Huo Ming Yin Wan (Immortals Formula For Sustaining Life)
Generally for short-term use with early stage heat toxins - sores, carbuncles, boils, styes, acne. Swollen and painful skin lesions with other heat signs (chills/fever). Breast abscesses, mastitis…
ViewXin Yi Wan (Magnolia Flower Powder)
Colds and/or allergies with cold signs (white mucus and/or no fever, etc.). Chronic sinus congestions / issues, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, loss of smell. Headaches from sinus congestion.
ViewYan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Wan (Corydalis Powder)
Pain of all types from qi and blood stagnation - often combined with other more systemic formulas based on the individual. Pain and inflammation from acute trauma, generalized aches and pains or mor…
As noted above, bai zhi is within the herbs that release the exterior wind cold functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... many are acrid and warm used when fever is mild, chill severe, headache, body & neck pain, no thirst focus is on the superficial layer of the body and lung precautions: do not overdose herbs that promote sweating – disperses qi too much a…)".
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