Pinyin

Bai Zhi

Pharmaceutical

Radix Angelicae Dahuricae

Botanical

Angelica dahurica Benth. & Hook., Angelica anomala Lallem., Angelica taiwaniana Boiss. (Umbelliferae) 

Common Name

angelica root

Other names

Class

Release the Exterior

Subclass

Pungent and Warm Formulas

Details

Origin

Zhejiang, Hubei, Liaoning, Sichuan.

Properties (characteristics)

Nature: Warm.

Taste: Pungent.

Organ: Lungs, Stomach.

Toxicity: Non toxic.

Preparation

The drug is collected in summer and autumn when leaves turn yellow, removed from rootlet and soil, and dried in the sun or at a low temperature. They are then soaked in water and cut into pieces.

Actions

headache from externally contracted wind and chill, red and white vaginal discharge, amenorrhea and swelling in vagina,  dry and itchy skin, sinus infection, pain in intestine and hemorrhoids.

Medical functions

1. Antipyretic.

2. Relieves pain.

3. Small amount stimulate CNS, respiratory system, increase blood pressure, slows heart rate, deepens breathing but large amount can cause intermittent spasm and numbness of the whole body.

4. Dilates coronary arteries.

Contraindications

Blood or Yin Deficiency.

Open boils or sores.

Pregnancy.