Bai Tou Weng Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
白头翁汤 · Bái Tóu Wēng Tāng
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.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Damp-Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear heat, resolve toxin, cool the Blood, stop dysentery
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear damp-heat toxin from the Intestines and cool the Blood
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
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.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for hot dysentery with blood-predominant stools and burning tenesmus — stronger toxin-clearing in the Intestines than general heat-diarrhoea formulas.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| 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 |
| 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) |
Clinical Perspective
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.
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Bai Tou Weng Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Damp-Heat Dysentery & Hot Bloody Diarrhea
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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.