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Bai Tou Weng Tang (白頭翁湯) clears heat and resolves toxicity and cools the blood; the principal formula for damp-heat / toxic-heat dysentery with blood and pus in the stool.
English Name
Pulsatilla Decoction
Classical Source
Shang Han Lun, c. 220 CE
Ingredients
- Bai Tou Weng – chief
- Huang Lian, Huang Bai, Qin Pi
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and resolves toxicity
- Cools the blood and stops dysentery
Indications
Hot/toxic dysentery: abdominal pain, tenesmus, and diarrhoea with more blood than pus, with burning of the anus and thirst.
Tongue & Pulse
Tongue: red with a yellow coat. Pulse: wiry and rapid.
Modifications
Add Mu Xiang and Bing Lang for severe tenesmus.
Cautions & Contraindications
For hot dysentery only; not for cold/deficiency diarrhoea.
