Description:

祁白芷 片

性味

辛，温。

归经

入肺、脾、胃经。

功能主治

祛风，燥湿，消肿，止痛。治头痛，眉棱骨痛，齿痛，鼻渊，寒湿腹痛，肠风痔漏，赤白带下，痈疽疮疡，皮肤燥痒，疥癣。

【食疗方】

白芷炖燕窝

白芷9克，燕窝9克，冰糖适量。将白芷、燕窝隔水炖至极烂，过滤去渣。 加冰糖适量调味后再炖片刻即成，每日1～2次。 具有补肺养阴，止咳止血作用。 

Dahurian Angelica Root /Bai Zhi 

Angelica dahurica is also commonly known as Chinese angelica, the garden angelica, root of the Holy Ghost, and wild angelica, as well as its Chinese name, bai zhi (白芷).

The medicinal properties of the Dahurican root has been dated back to Ancient China as early as 400 BC. Zhang Cong Zhen (1156–1228), a famous physician in the military, believed that diseases were caused by (external evil”) pathogens that entered the human body. He listed Bai Zhi as an herb that purge the body of any negative influences such as heat, clamminess, dryness, and cold on the skin. Today, the roots are used for other numerous treatments of illnesses such as headaches, relieving nasal obstruction, detoxification of the blood, as a pain reliever, an anti-inflammatory, a laxative, sedative, anti-fungal cream for skin, as well as treating swollen gums and toothaches. 

The seeds are often used as a seasoning condiment in food as well as a source of flavoring in liqueur. Another popular usage for this herb is its ingredient in cosmetic products. 

Cautions:

Aside from the medicinal properties that this plant offers, this species also may increase skin sensitivity to sunlight and may cause dermatitis. A compound called the angelicotoxin, is an active ingredient within the root which has an excitatory effect on the respiratory system, central nervous system, and the vasculomotor system of the body. It is known to increase the rate of respiration, blood pressure, decrease pulse rate, increases saliva production and may induce vomiting. In large doses, the toxin can induce convulsions and paralysis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelica_dahurica

Bai Zhi influences Stomach, Large Intestine, Lung.

• Disperses wind and expels dampness.
• Unblocks the nasal passage and alleviates pain.
• Reduces swelling and expels pus.

(Activeherb.com)