Angelica Dahurica Root
백지 (白芷) · Angelica dahurica (Fisch. ex Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Franch. & Sav.
Wind-cold releasing herb
Warm
Pungent
Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine
NatureWarm
TastePungent
MeridiansLung, Stomach, Large Intestine
Part usedRoot
FamilyApiaceae
CategoryWind-cold releasing herb
Overview
Angelica dahurica root is a classic remedy for wind-type headache with watery, teary eyes, and the Donguibogam also records its long history as a facial cosmetic — made into a face ointment to brighten the complexion and fade dark spots, a use that predates its modern presence in skincare formulations.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性溫, 味辛, 無毒. 主風邪頭痛, 目眩淚出. 主婦人漏下赤白, 血閉陰腫. 破宿血, 補新血, 安胎漏滑落. 治乳癰, 發背, 瘰癧, 腸風, 痔瘻, 瘡痍, 疥癬. 止痛生肌, 能排膿, 蝕膿. 可作面脂, 潤顔色, 去面皯疵瘢.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste pungent, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats wind-evil headache and dizziness with tearing eyes. It treats women's red and white vaginal discharge, and blocked menses with genital swelling. It breaks up old stagnant blood, generates new blood, and settles leaking, slipping pregnancy. It treats breast abscess, back carbuncles, scrofula, intestinal wind, hemorrhoid fistula, sores, and scabies. It stops pain and generates flesh, and can expel and dissolve pus. It can be made into a facial ointment to moisten the complexion and remove dark spots and scars on the face.
Traditional functions
- Dispels wind, relieves headache
- Opens nasal passages
- Resolves toxin, expels pus
- Brightens the complexion
Traditional applications
- Wind-type headache with watery eyes
- Nasal congestion and sinus discomfort
- Boils and carbuncles with discharge
- Dark spots or blemishes on the skin
Traditional preparation
Decoction 4–12g.
Cautions
Caution: Warming and dispersing; not suited to heat-type headache or yin-deficiency with heat signs. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Did people really use this as a facial cosmetic?
Yes — the Donguibogam explicitly records it made into a face ointment to brighten the complexion and remove dark spots and scars, centuries before its appearance in modern skincare ingredient lists.
What is angelica dahurica's main traditional use?
Wind-type headache with tearing, watery eyes — the text also records it for nasal and sinus discomfort, and for expelling pus from boils and carbuncles.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.