白头翁汤适合哪些核心人群？

白头翁汤主要适合热毒血痢人群、肠道感染患者（急性细菌性痢疾、阿米巴痢疾等）、肠道炎症患者（溃疡性结肠炎活动期、克罗恩病活动期等）、其他热毒相关人群（放射性直肠炎、肛周脓肿合并感染等）、痢疾恢复期人群。

白头翁汤的核心适应症有哪些？

白头翁汤的核心适应症包括热毒血痢、急性细菌性痢疾、阿米巴痢疾、溃疡性结肠炎活动期、放射性直肠炎及肛周脓肿合并感染等热毒血痢相关疾病。

白头翁汤有哪些常见加减用法？

白头翁汤可根据症状加减，如热毒炽盛明显时加金银花、马齿苋、连翘；血热妄行便血为主时加地榆、槐花、侧柏叶；腹痛剧烈时加白芍、木香、槟榔；湿热偏重时加苍术、薏苡仁、厚朴；兼表证发热恶寒时加葛根、连翘、薄荷；久痢伤阴时加麦冬、玄参、生地；虚极热利或年老体弱时加甘草、阿胶；热盛动风伴抽搐时加羚羊角粉、钩藤等。

白头翁汤的用法用量如何？

汤剂每日一剂分两次温服，颗粒剂成人一次一袋，一日三次，胶囊剂成人一次4-6粒，一日三次。急性热毒痢疾服用3-7天，症状缓解后停药，不能长期连续服用；剂量及配伍可根据病情和医师指导调整。

白头翁汤有哪些禁忌人群？

脾胃虚寒者、孕妇、对本品成分过敏者、儿童、老年人及体质虚弱者（需医师指导减量）、慢性病严重者应禁用或慎用，避免引发不良反应或加重病情。

服用白头翁汤期间需要注意哪些事项？

服用期间应饮食清淡易消化，忌辛辣油炸肥甘及生冷食物，戒烟戒酒；避免与滋补性中药同服；不可长期连续服用；服药前咨询医师避免药物相互作用；注意休息，避免劳累和情绪波动；急性痢疾建议结合现代医学治疗；避免无脓血便等非热毒症状服用。

白头翁汤的核心功效有哪些？

白头翁汤核心功效包括清热解毒、凉血止痢、清热燥湿、收涩固肠及坚阴护液，能快速缓解热毒血痢症状，清除致病根源，保护肠道功能，实现标本兼治。

白头翁汤与其他类似方剂有何区别？

白头翁汤专攻热毒血痢，清热解毒、凉血止痢；芍药汤侧重湿热痢疾，调气活血；葛根芩连汤兼具解表清里，适用于表里俱热；桃花汤温涩，主治虚寒血痢。用药需辨证，避免误用加重病情。

Heat-Clearing Formulas

白头翁汤 · Bái Tóu Wēng Tāng

Bai Tou Weng Tang

A Shang Han Lun formula for hot dysentery with more Blood than pus, abdominal pain, tenesmus and a desire for cold drinks — damp-heat toxin in the Intestines.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryHeat-Clearing Formulas

Primary PatternDamp-Heat

Primary FunctionClear heat, resolve toxin, cool the Blood, stop dysentery

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleClear damp-heat toxin from the Intestines and cool the Blood

Main HerbsPulsatilla Root · Phellodendron Bark · Coptis Rhizome · Ash Bark

Classical SourceShang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for hot dysentery with blood-predominant stools and burning tenesmus — stronger toxin-clearing in the Intestines than general heat-diarrhoea formulas.

Overview

What Is Bai Tou Weng Tang?

1. Ancient Classic Records

Bai Tou Weng Tang (白头翁汤), or Pulsatilla Decoction, is a classical formula from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage). It belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat, resolve toxicity, and stop dysentery.

This formula addresses Heat-toxin dysentery (Re Du Li) in which pathogenic Heat and toxin have entered the Blood level of the Large Intestine. Typical signs include diarrhea containing blood and pus (with blood more prominent than pus), abdominal pain, severe tenesmus, burning sensation in the anus, thirst, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a wiry rapid pulse.

Centered on Bai Tou Weng as the chief herb to clear Heat-toxin and cool the Blood, supported by Huang Lian and Huang Bai to drain Fire and dry Damp-Heat, and Qin Pi to clear Heat while astringing the Intestines, Bai Tou Weng Tang powerfully clears toxic Heat, cools the Blood, and effectively stops dysenteric diarrhea.

2. Acute Bacillary Dysentery

What it is: This type of dysentery is usually caused by Shigella bacteria.
The Symptoms: It brings on fevers, stomach pain, diarrhea, a constant and urgent need to go to the bathroom (tenesmus), and stool mixed with pus and blood. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this perfectly matches the "toxic heat blood dysentery" pattern.
How Bai Tou Weng Tang helps: By clearing the heat, getting rid of toxins, cooling the blood, and stopping the diarrhea, this formula can quickly ease your symptoms and shorten the time you are sick.
The Science: Clinical studies show that Bai Tou Weng Tang works very well for acute bacillary dysentery. It significantly lowers fevers, relieves stomach pain and diarrhea, and improves overall cure rates.

3. Amoebic Dysentery

What it is: This is an intestinal infection caused by a parasite (Entamoeba histolytica).
The Symptoms: The main signs are stomach cramps, diarrhea, and a very specific "fruit jam-like" stool.
The TCM Perspective: TCM views this as toxic heat getting trapped and building up inside the intestines.
How Bai Tou Weng Tang helps: Because it specifically targets that "toxic heat" root cause, it can detoxify the body, cool the blood, and stop the dysentery, which helps improve symptoms and speed up your recovery.
Real-world results: In clinical practice, using Bai Tou Weng Tang (sometimes with slight modifications) has proven effective at treating amoebic dysentery, successfully reducing pus and blood in the stool and soothing stomach discomfort.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. The "King" Herb - Bai Tou Weng

What it is: The dried root of the Pulsatilla plant.
Nature and Flavor: It is bitter and cold, and it specifically targets the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians.
What it does: It clears heat, detoxifies the body, cools the blood, and stops dysentery. It is especially famous for clearing "toxic heat" in the large intestine, making it a highly effective herb for treating dysentery accompanied by blood.
Its role in Bai Tou Weng Tang: As the "King" (or Chief) herb, it takes the lead in the formula. It acts as the main attacker against the core cause of the illness.

2. The "Minister" Herbs - Huang Lian and Huang Bo

Huang Lian (Coptis Root): This is the dried rhizome of the Coptis plant. It is extremely bitter and cold, working on the Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, and Large Intestine meridians. It is amazing at clearing heat, drying up dampness, and purging "fire," especially in the digestive tract.
Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark): The dried bark of the Phellodendron tree. It is also bitter and cold, but it focuses on the Kidney and Bladder meridians. It specializes in clearing damp-heat in the lower part of the body.
Their role: By working together, Huang Lian and Huang Bo act as the perfect "Ministers." They assist and boost the power of Bai Tou Weng to clear heat, detoxify, dry dampness, and stop dysentery.

3. The "Assistant" Herb - Qin Pi

What it is: The dried bark or branch bark of the Ash tree (Fraxinus).
Nature and Flavor: It is bitter, astringent (drying), and cold. It targets the Liver, Gallbladder, and Large Intestine meridians.
What it does: It clears heat, dries dampness, and uses its astringent nature to stop dysentery. It is also known for treating vaginal discharge and brightening the eyes.
Its role in Bai Tou Weng Tang: As the "Assistant," Qin Pi helps the King and Minister herbs boost their cooling and detoxifying powers. More importantly, its astringent quality helps "bind" the bowels, acting as a safeguard to prevent excessive diarrhea.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. The Root Cause (Mechanism)

The main issue: Bai Tou Weng Tang specifically targets a condition where "toxic heat" has trapped itself deep within the blood level and is pressing down on the large intestine.
How it happens: External heat pathogens or internal "damp-heat" build up in the body and turn into toxins. These toxins essentially "roast" the intestines and damage the blood vessels.
The result: This damage causes your Qi (energy) and blood to stagnate, turning into pus and blood. This leads to symptoms like bloody dysentery and a constant, urgent need to use the bathroom.

2. What It Does (Benefits)

Core actions: Bai Tou Weng Tang is highly effective at clearing heat, detoxifying the body, cooling the blood, and stopping dysentery.
How it heals: By flushing out the toxic heat from your intestines and cooling the blood to stop bleeding, it eliminates dysentery symptoms and helps your digestive system return to its normal, healthy function.

3. What It Treats (Indications)

Main focus: It is the go-to formula for treating "toxic heat blood dysentery."
Look for these key symptoms:
- Abdominal pain.
- An urgent, constant need to go to the bathroom with a feeling of incomplete emptying (tenesmus).
- A burning sensation around the anus.
- Diarrhea containing pus and blood (specifically, more red blood than white mucus).
- Thirst and a strong desire to drink water.
- A red tongue with a yellow coating, and a rapid, "wiry" pulse.
Modern applications: In the modern clinic, Bai Tou Weng Tang is often used to treat conditions like acute bacillary dysentery or amoebic dysentery, as long as the patient's symptoms match this specific "toxic heat" pattern.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

In Bai Tou Weng Tang, here is how the herbal team works together to heal the body:

Bai Tou Weng acts as the King herb. It targets the main issue by clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling the blood, and stopping dysentery.
Huang Lian and Huang Bo are the Minister herbs. They clear heat, dry up dampness, and purge "fire" to give the King herb a major boost.
Qin Pi is the Assistant herb. It clears heat and dries dampness, but also adds a mild binding (astringent) effect to stop the diarrhea and keep the bowels from over-emptying.
The Synergy: When combined, these four herbs strike a perfect balance. They directly attack the problem, clearing out the toxic heat and stopping the dysentery so the gut can fully heal.

1. Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood Together

Bai Tou Weng focuses on cooling the blood.
Huang Lian and Huang Bo focus on clearing heat and drying dampness.
By combining them, the formula effectively clears toxins from both the Qi (energy) and Blood levels of the body at the same time.

2. Balancing Detoxification with Astringency

The main herbs (Bai Tou Weng, Huang Lian, and Huang Bo) are incredibly strong at clearing heat and detoxifying.
Qin Pi steps in with just the right amount of astringent action. This smart combination ensures the heat is cleared out without trapping any sickness inside, and the bowels are firmed up without causing blockage.

3. Treating Dysentery Naturally Drives Out "Wind" Toxins

Bai Tou Weng is exceptional at driving out "wind-heat" toxins from the large intestine.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a famous saying that perfectly describes how this formula works: "Regulating the Qi naturally cures the heavy, urgent feeling in the bowels, and cooling the blood naturally heals the pus and blood."

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Bai Tou Weng Tang	Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang	Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Primary Function	Clear heat, resolve toxin, cool the Blood, stop dysentery	Release exterior, clear interior heat, stop diarrhoea	Clear heat, resolve toxin, drain fire
Formula Category	Heat-Clearing Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Damp-Heat	Damp-Heat	Damp-Heat
Main Conditions	Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Fever, Dry Mouth & Throat	Diarrhea, Fever, Abdominal Pain, Dry Mouth & Throat	Fever, Anxiety Restlessness, Dry Mouth & Throat, Constipation, Sore Throat
Main Herbs	Pulsatilla Root · Phellodendron Bark · Coptis Rhizome · Ash Bark	Kudzu Root · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Coptis Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice	Coptis Rhizome · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Phellodendron Bark · Gardenia Fruit
Classical Source	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Wai Tai Mi Yao (Wang Tao, Tang dynasty, citing earlier sources)

How to tell them apart

Bai Tou Weng Tang clears toxic heat for dysentery with more blood. Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang clears heat for feverish diarrhoea with residual exterior signs. Huang Lian Jie Du Tang drains Triple Burner fire-toxin more broadly.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Bai Tou Weng Tang

1. For Severe Toxic Heat

If the toxic heat is particularly intense, you can add extra heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs like Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, and Pu Gong Ying.
These additions boost the formula's power to clear out heat and toxins, helping to flush them out of the body much more effectively.

2. For Stool with More Blood (Red) Than Mucus (White)

When the dysentery involves significantly more blood than mucus, you can increase the amount of Huang Lian in the mix.
This simple tweak strengthens the formula's ability to clear heat and cool the blood, directly targeting and treating this specific symptom.

3. For Severe Abdominal Pain

If stomach cramps and pain are a major issue, you can add herbs such as Bai Shao, Mu Xiang, and Yan Hu Suo.
These herbs work beautifully together to relax tension, soothe spasms, and provide much-needed pain relief for the patient.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Studies

Modern research shows that Bai Tou Weng Tang acts as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral agent.
It effectively suppresses various intestinal disease-causing bacteria, including Shigella and E. coli.
The formula helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and encourages the healing and repair of the intestinal lining.
Additionally, Bai Tou Weng Tang helps regulate your immune system, boosting your body's natural resistance to fight off invading pathogens.

2. Clinical Observations

In recent years, a large number of clinical studies have further confirmed how well Bai Tou Weng Tang works.
For treating conditions like acute bacillary dysentery and amoebic dysentery, it is not only highly effective at relieving symptoms but also very safe to use.
Researchers have also looked into combining Bai Tou Weng Tang with other treatments. For instance, pairing it with antibiotics for acute bacillary dysentery can increase the overall cure rate and lower the chances of the illness coming back.

3. Improvements in Dosage Forms

Thanks to advances in modern medicine manufacturing, researchers are continually finding new and better ways to prepare Bai Tou Weng Tang.
Along with concentrated granules, scientists are successfully developing it into modern formats like capsules and tablets.
These new, convenient options maintain the formula's medicinal effectiveness while making it much easier for patients to stick to their treatment plans, providing more choices for real-world care.

As a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine formula, Bai Tou Weng Tang has been trusted for over a thousand years and continues to play a vital role in treating diseases like toxic heat blood dysentery. With ongoing modern research, its future looks even brighter, promising to bring better health and well-being to many more patients.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Contraindicated for Deficiency-Cold Dysentery

Baitouweng Decoction is highly cold and targets heat-toxin blood dysentery. For patients with deficiency-cold (insufficient yang qi), this cold formula will further damage yang and worsen the condition.

2. Use with Caution for Spleen-Stomach Deficiency-Cold

Those with weak digestion and cold tolerance may experience abdominal pain or diarrhea due to the formula's cold nature. Use with caution, and stop taking it immediately if discomfort occurs.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Hoi Tin Bai Tou Weng Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Bai Tou Weng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Nong's Bai Tou Weng Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Bai Tou Weng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $90.84

Hoi Tin Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $51.36

Nong's Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (Coptis Decoction to Relieve Toxicity) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $73.72

Hoi Tin Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Ge Gen Qin Lian Tang (Kudzu, Scutellaria & Coptis) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $30.50

Nong's Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang (Kudzu, Scutellaria & Coptis) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $63.02

FAQ

Questions About Bai Tou Weng Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Bai Tou Weng Tang?

Bai Tou Weng Tang has the actions of clearing Heat, resolving Toxicity, cooling the Blood, and stopping dysentery. It is the classic Shang Han Lun formula for severe Heat-toxin dysentery that scorches the Intestines and injures the Blood.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Bai Tou Weng Tang suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within intense Heat-toxin in the Intestines, including acute bacillary dysentery, amebic dysentery, acute enteritis with bloody and purulent stools, and certain active phases of ulcerative colitis presenting with Heat-toxin signs.

Q3: Is Bai Tou Weng Tang suitable for improving dysentery with blood, pus, tenesmus, and burning anus?

For presentations of diarrhea containing pus and blood (often more blood than white pus), abdominal pain, urgent tenesmus (feeling of incomplete evacuation), burning sensation at the anus, thirst, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a slippery or wiry rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Heat-toxin dysentery — TCM commonly applies Bai Tou Weng Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment of infectious dysentery.

Q4: Who should not take Bai Tou Weng Tang?

Those with Cold-deficiency diarrhea or dysentery (watery stools without blood or burning, cold limbs, aversion to cold, weak pulse), Spleen-Stomach deficiency Cold, or prolonged chronic deficiency patterns are generally not suitable. The formula is intensely bitter and cold and can further damage Yang if misused. Caution is advised in pregnancy. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why is this formula particularly effective for dysentery with more blood than pus?

When Heat-toxin penetrates deeply into the Blood level of the Intestines, it damages the vessels and produces more fresh blood in the stool. Bai Tou Weng enters the Blood aspect to cool Blood and resolve Toxicity, while Huang Lian, Huang Bai, and Qin Pi clear Heat, dry Dampness, and astringe the Intestines, making the formula well-matched to Heat-toxin blood dysentery.

Q6: Can Bai Tou Weng Tang be used for both bacterial and amebic dysentery?

Yes, when the clinical pattern is Heat-toxin dysentery with the characteristic symptoms of blood, pus, tenesmus, and Heat signs. Classical and modern use includes both bacillary and amebic types, always under proper medical diagnosis and often alongside conventional care for confirmed infections.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Bai Tou Weng Tang?

The classical four-herb formula consists of Bai Tou Weng (Pulsatilla) as the chief to clear Heat, resolve Toxicity, cool Blood, and stop dysentery; Huang Lian (Coptis) to clear Heat and dry Dampness in the Middle and Intestines; Huang Bai (Phellodendron) to clear Lower Burner Heat and dry Dampness; and Qin Pi (Fraxinus bark) to clear Heat, dry Dampness, and astringe the Intestines to help stop the dysentery.

Q8: Is Bai Tou Weng Tang suitable for long-term use?

No. It is a strongly bitter-cold formula intended for short-term use in acute Heat-toxin dysentery. Once the Heat-toxin signs and bloody dysentery begin to resolve, the formula should be stopped. Prolonged use readily injures Spleen and Stomach Yang.

Q9: How does Bai Tou Weng Tang differ from Shao Yao Tang for dysentery?

Shao Yao Tang treats Damp-Heat dysentery with more emphasis on regulating Qi and Blood (to relieve tenesmus and pus) and includes both clearing and moving herbs. Bai Tou Weng Tang is more purely focused on clearing intense Heat-toxin and cooling the Blood, and is preferred when blood predominates and toxicity signs are severe, without the same degree of Qi-Blood regulation.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Bai Tou Weng Tang?

Maintaining strict food and water hygiene, resting, avoiding greasy, spicy, or raw foods, and ensuring adequate hydration help support recovery from Heat-toxin dysentery. Because infectious dysentery can be serious, prompt conventional medical evaluation and appropriate antimicrobial care remain essential alongside any herbal approach.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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