Bái Hǔ Tāng
Bái Hǔ Tāng (白虎汤, “White Tiger Decoction”) comes from Shang Han Lun - Zhang Zhongjing (220 CE). Clears the intense heat of the Qi level, generates fluids.
Main action
Clears the intense heat of the Qi level, generates fluids
The White Tiger is the guardian of the West and Metal in Chinese cosmology. Its cold power is legendary. Created for Yang Ming syndrome — the stage of maximum external heat.
Indications
- High fever
- Profuse sweating
- Intense thirst for cold drinks
- Tachycardia
- Fast and full pulse
- Agitation
- Tongue
- Red or scarlet, dry yellow coating
- Pulse
- Full, fast and slippery
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shí Gāo 石膏 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 30g | Clears intense heat from the Qi level, generates fluids |
| Zhī Mǔ 知母 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Clears heat, nourishes Yin, generates fluids |
| Gān Cǎo 甘草 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 3g | Harmonizes, generates fluids, protects Stomach |
| Gěng Mǐ 粳米 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Nourishes the Stomach, protects from the cold of Shi Gao |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction: boil until the rice is cooked (40-50 min). Shi Gao add first. Take cold or at room temperature
Classical modifications
Add: Ren Shen (人参) 9g → Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang (白虎加人参汤)
Current uses being studied
- Infectious high fever
- heat stroke
- Diabetes (stomach heat with intense thirst)
- Acute rheumatic fever
Precautions
- Only for real heat and excess, NEVER cold or Yang deficiency
- Raw Shi Gao is colder; processed is smoother
- Do not use if the fever is due to deficiency
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 白虎汤
- English name
- White Tiger Decoction
- Source
- Shang Han Lun - Zhang Zhongjing (220 CE)
- Dynasty
- Han
- Category
- Release the exterior and clear Heat
- Constitutions
- Damp-Heat Constitution
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
