Bai Hu Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
白虎湯 · Bái Hǔ Tāng
The foundational classical formula for Yangming Qi-aspect heat with high fever, profuse sweating and intense thirst.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Stomach Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear Qi-aspect heat, generate fluids, stop thirst
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear Yangming Qi-aspect heat and generate fluids
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The foundational classical formula for Yangming Qi-aspect heat with high fever, profuse sweating and intense thirst.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Yangming Qi-aspect heat is full — high fever, profuse sweat, intense thirst, flooding pulse — rather than residual heat, fire toxin, or exterior patterns.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
Classical Composition
- Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao) 1 jin (50g)
- Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhi Mu) 6 liang (18g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang (6g)
- Semen Oryza Sativa (Jing Mi) 6 he (9g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears heat and generates fluids.
Indications
- The formula is indicated for intense heat in the qi level with high fever, red facial complexion, restlessness and thirst, polydipsia, sweating, aversion to heat, and a surging, big, and forceful pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Bai Hu Tang is the original formula used to treat yangming channel patterns.
- In this pattern, externally contracted cold pathogens transform into heat and invade inward into the yangming channel.
- The invasion of warm pathogens from the wei level to the qi level can also produce this pattern.
- Intense internal heat produces a fever, without aversion to cold.
- Stomach heat damages the fluids, which then causes thirst and the desire for cold drink.
- Internal heat steams fluids externally to produce sweating.
- The method of clearing heat and generating fluids is the most appropriate for this pattern of intense heat in the qi level.
Clinical presentation
Tongue & pulseThe surging, big, and forceful pulse manifest from the intense internal heat.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to clear Yangming Qi-aspect heat and generate fluids.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Bai Hu Tang, Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang, Huang Lian Jie Du Tang and Bai Du San address heat patterns differently. Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang clears residual heat with more fluid-generating force; Huang Lian Jie Du Tang clears fire toxin across the triple burner; Bai Du San releases exterior damp-cold. Bai Hu Tang is the foundational Yangming Qi-aspect heat formula for high fever, profuse sweating and intense thirst.
Clinical Differentiation
- This formula is fundamental for treating excessive heat in the qi level.
- This clinical pattern is marked by high fever, profuse sweating, vexation and thirst, surging, large pulse.
Safety notes: This formula should not be used in patterns of fever without sweating and thirst in those whose interior symptoms have not released, patients with a superficial and thin or deep pulse, fever due to blood deficiency with a surging pulse that is deep when pressed deeply, and exuberant yin rebelling yang due to true cold with false heat.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Bai Hu Tang?
Bai Hu Tang has the actions of clearing Heat, draining Fire from the Qi level, and generating fluids. It is the representative formula for exuberant Yangming channel Heat, classically described as the “four greats.”
Which modern diseases is Bai Hu Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Qi-level or Yangming channel Heat, including high fever of infectious or febrile illness with profuse sweating and intense thirst, certain cases of influenza or pneumonia of excess Heat type, heatstroke, and other presentations marked by high fever, great thirst, great sweating, and a flooding pulse.
Is Bai Hu Tang suitable for improving high fever, profuse sweating, and severe thirst?
For presentations of high fever, profuse sweating, intense thirst for cold drinks, a red face, irritability, a dry yellow tongue coating, and a flooding large (or slippery rapid) pulse — the classical “four greats” of Yangming Qi-level Heat — TCM commonly applies Bai Hu Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment of febrile illness, dehydration, or infection.
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Bai Hu Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Yangming Heat, High Fever, Thirst & Profuse Sweating
Bai Du San: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold-Damp with Qi Deficiency
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Residual Heat, Qi & Yin Damage After Febrile Disease
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Fire Toxin, High Fever & Damp-Heat
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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.