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Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix)

Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats leukorrhea with red and white discharge (abnormal vaginal discharge) in women, amenorrhea (closure of menstruation), swelling and pain of the yin region, alternating chills and fever, tearing caused by wind pathogen invading the head, promotes skin growth, moistens and beautifies the face as a facial cream, treats thirst persisting for a long time due to wind pathogen, vomiting, fullness in the two hypochondria, wind-induced pain, dizziness, and itchy eyes. It can be used to make ointments and facial creams to moisturize the complexion. Also known as Fang Xiang, Bai Wen, Xiao (pronounced like Jiao), Guan, Fu Li, and Ze Fen. Its leaves are named Gao Ben (pronounced like Li; note: text may contain variant/typo, translated literally), which can be used to prepare bathing decoctions. It grows in the valleys and low-lying damp areas of Hedong. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. (Dang Gui serves as its guiding herb; it is incompatible with Xin Fu Hua.)

Tao Hongjing stated: Currently, it is found everywhere along the nearby routes, especially abundant in the eastern lower damp areas. The leaves can also be used to prepare bathing decoctions. Daoists use this fragrance for bathing to remove "corpse worms" (parasites/internal pathogens), and it is also used in compounding incense. Ministers Yu Xi et al., according to Fan Zi Ji Ran, stated: Bai Zhi originates from Qi Commandery, and those harvested from Huang Ze in spring are of the best quality. *Yao Xing Lun* states: Bai Zhi acts as the sovereign drug. It can treat stabbing pain in the heart and abdomen caused by blood stasis, dispel wind pathogen, primarily treat metrorrhagia and vomiting/rebellious qi in women, brighten the eyes and stop tearing. It treats dripping blood and lower back pain in women and can cauterize pus. Ri Huazi stated: It treats red eyes with fleshy overgrowth (pterygium/nasolacrimal duct obstruction tissue), supplements fetal leakage and threatened miscarriage, breaks up old blood, supplements new blood, treats breast abscesses and back carbuncles, scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis of the neck), intestinal wind (hematochezia), hemorrhoids, expels pus, treats sores, tinea, and scabies, relieves pain, generates flesh, and removes facial blemishes and scars.

*TU Jing* stated: Bai Zhi grows in the valleys and low-lying damp areas of Hedong, but is now available everywhere, particularly abundant in the Wu region. The root is over a chi long, white in color, varying in thickness, with branches and stems rising more than five cun above the ground. Leaves emerge in spring, growing opposite each other in a graceful manner, purple in color, about three fingers wide. Flowers are white with a slight yellow tint. Seeds form after the beginning of the Dog Days, and the aerial parts wither after the Start of Autumn. Roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. Those from Huang Ze are considered superior; people in Chu call it Yao. The *Nine Songs* says: "Willow-leaved magnolia on the lintel, Bai Zhi on the door." Wang Yi's commentary states: Yao refers to Bai Zhi.

Lei Gong stated: After harvesting, do not use those where four stalks grow together, as these are called Sang Gong Teng. Also, do not use Ma Lin; neither should be included in medicinal preparations. After harvesting, scrape off the outer bark, slice finely, and slice Huang Jing finely. Use a bamboo knife to cut. Mix equal parts of both, steam twice for one fu period (approx. 8 hours), then remove. Dry in the sun, discard the Huang Jing, and use only the Bai Zhi. *Waitai Miyao*: Treats erysipelas and urticaria. Boil Bai Zhi and its root leaves to make a decoction for washing; this is effective. *Zimu Milu*: Treats infantile fever. Bathe the child in a Bai Zhi decoction, ensuring protection from wind.

*Yanyi* stated: Bai Zhi is the same as Zu. Those from the Wu region are of good quality. The *Classic* states: It can cauterize pus. Nowadays, people use it to treat leukorrhea where there is putrid pus in the intestines, dripping continuously with a particularly foul odor, leading to increased cold pain in the umbilical and abdominal regions. This is likely caused by putrid blood and pus. If there is no end to this condition, one must use this drug to expel the pus. Take one liang of Bai Zhi, two liang of the root of single-leaf red hibiscus, half a liang of white Peony Root, and half a liang of Alum. Calcine the Alum until dry and grind separately. Grind the remaining herbs into powder, mix them, and form pills using wax, sized like wu zi (wheat seeds). Take ten or fifteen pills on an empty stomach and before meals with rice water. Wait until the pus is completely expelled, then supplement with other medications.