Angelica Dahurica Root: A Natural Remedy for Headaches, Sinus Relief, and Skin Health
Angelica Dahurica Root (Bai Zhi) is a traditional herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to expel wind, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling. It has a long history in Chinese herbalism and is particularly known for treating conditions like headaches, nasal congestion, and skin disorders.
Key Functions in TCM:
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Expelling Wind and Dampness:
Bai Zhi is often used to expel wind-cold, especially when it affects the head and face. It's particularly effective for treating headaches, sinus congestion, and toothache, all of which are often seen as a result of wind-cold invasion in TCM. -
Alleviating Pain:
It is frequently prescribed for headaches, particularly frontal headaches (associated with the Yangming meridian, which passes through the forehead). Its ability to alleviate pain also extends to toothaches, skin conditions, and muscular pain. -
Reducing Swelling and Expelling Pus:
Bai Zhi has the ability to reduce swelling and promote the healing of sores, boils, and carbuncles by expelling pus. This makes it a useful herb for skin infections or abscesses. -
Unblocking the Nasal Passages:
Its pungent and aromatic nature makes Bai Zhi effective for clearing nasal congestion. It is a popular choice for treating rhinitis and sinusitis, helping to open the nasal passages and alleviate symptoms. -
Drying Dampness and Discharging Discharges:
Bai Zhi can dry dampness, especially when it is related to leukorrhea (vaginal discharge). It’s often used in formulations to address excessive dampness in the body, particularly in the lower burner.
Mechanism of Action:
From a modern pharmacological perspective, Angelica Dahurica root exhibits various biological effects, primarily due to its rich content of coumarins, volatile oils, and other bioactive compounds. Some of the mechanisms and effects include:
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Anti-inflammatory Effects:
Bai Zhi contains compounds such as imperatorin and psoralen, which have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. This action helps reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation in conditions like skin infections or sinusitis. -
Analgesic Effects:
Studies indicate that Bai Zhi has pain-relieving (analgesic) properties, which is consistent with its traditional use for headaches, toothaches, and muscle pain. -
Antimicrobial Activity:
The herb has been found to possess antimicrobial properties, particularly against certain bacteria and fungi. This explains its traditional use in treating infections, skin conditions, and abscesses. -
Vasodilation and Circulatory Effects:
Bai Zhi helps to dilate blood vessels and improve circulation, which may explain its effectiveness in treating headaches and pain related to poor blood flow. -
Respiratory and Mucus Clearing:
Its aromatic components help in loosening mucus and improving respiratory functions, making it effective for sinus congestion and clearing nasal passages. -
Antioxidant Properties:
Bai Zhi has been shown to have antioxidant effects, which help to protect cells from oxidative stress and may play a role in its anti-aging and skin-protective qualities.
How To Use Bai Zhi - Angelica Dahurica Root
Applications in TCM Formulas:
Bai Zhi is commonly included in herbal formulas for treating wind-cold headaches and sinus congestion. One well-known example is Cang Er Zi San, a formula used for treating sinus congestion, headaches, and nasal discharge.
Angelica Dahurica root continues to be a highly valued herb in TCM for its ability to clear wind-cold, alleviate pain, and support skin and respiratory health.
Product Description
Herbal Information on Organic Angelica Dahurica Root in Bulk Cut Form
Common Name: Angelica root, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae
Botanical Name: Angelica dahurica root
Pin Yin Name: Bai Zhi
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 1 Pound (1 lb.)
Form: Cut, Organic
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Should not be used in the pattern of blood heat caused by Yin deficiency, as its warm and drying nature could exacerbate the condition. Use with caution in cases of blood deficiency or in pregnant women without consulting a healthcare provider.
CALIFORNIA PROP 65
Naturally Occurring Components: Byak-angelicin, Byak-angelicol, Oxypencedanin, Phellopterin, Coumarin Furocoumarin, stigmasterol, Lactones Angelic acid, Angelicotoxin.
TCM Properties and Functions:
- Taste: Pungent (acrid)
- Temperature: Warm
- Meridians: Lung, Stomach, and Spleen
Bai Zhi expels dampness, reduces swelling and eases pain. It expels wind and releases the exterior.
Bai Zhi is harvested when the leaves are yellow during the summer and fall. What Herbs Combine with Angelica Dahurica Root?
- Qiang Huo with Angelica Dahurica Root
- Xi Xin with Angelica Dahurica Root
- Chuan Xiong with Angelica Dahurica Root
- Fang Fen with Angelica Dahurica Root
- Cang Er Zi with Angelica Dahurica Root
- Ju Hua with Angelica Dahurica Root
- Xin Yi with Angelica Dahurica Root
Check out our HOW TO USE BULK HERBS page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
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About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Manufacture's Statement: It is important to note that Plum Flower formula extract powders do not contain any excipients. They are spray-dried directly from the condensed herbal decoction, and the resulting powder is the natural yield of the formulation. Individual herbs can vary significantly in the amount of dissolved solids they yield during extraction. Many do not have the needed substance to form a powder, and our single herb extract powders contain a pharmaceutical-grade, non-GMO corn-based dextrin when necessary.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Reference:
alternativehealing.org
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/BaiZhi.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9283917/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelica_dahurica
