Bai Zhi's primary action includes which of the following?

• A. Opens nasal passages, expel wind, alleviate pain
• B. Stop bleeding
• C. Clear heat from the liver
• D. Resolve phlegm

Answer: (A)

Bai Zhi’s main action is to open nasal passages by dispersing exterior wind and to relieve pain. This makes it especially useful for nasal congestion, sinus-related headaches, and facial or dental aches that arise when wind has invaded the exterior. Its warm, acrid nature helps drive out the wind and clear the nasal orifices, which is why this herb is a go-to for nasal obstruction and related head/face pain.

Stop bleeding, clear heat from the liver, and resolve phlegm are actions associated with other herbs. Bai Zhi is not primarily used for those purposes, so its strongest, most characteristic effect is opening the nose and alleviating wind-driven pain.