BAI HU TANG

Heat-Clearing • Qi-Level Heat–Draining • Fluid-Protecting Formula

Symptoms

High fever (especially worse in the afternoon)Profuse sweating
Intense thirst for cold drinks
Irritability or restlessness
Red face
Dry mouth
Headache
Strong sensation of internal Heat

Tongue: red with dry yellow coating
Pulse: large, surging, forceful

Ingredients:

Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum)
Raw Herbs: 30g* Granulates: 58.8g

Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma)
Raw Herbs: 9g* Granulates: 17.7g

Zhi Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata)
Raw Herbs: 3g* Granulates: 5.9g

Shan Yao ( Rhizoma Dioscoreae Preparata)
Raw Herbs: 9g* Granulates: 17.6g

Posology:

Granules
3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.

Raw Herbs
Boil in 1000–1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Bai Hu Tang, known as White Tiger Decoction, is a classical formula designed to clear intense internal Heat at the Qi level. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this stage represents a condition where pathogenic Heat has penetrated deeply into the Yang Ming channel, creating blazing internal Heat that damages body fluids.

Shi Gao is the chief herb, powerfully clearing excess Heat from the Qi level and relieving high fever, irritability, and thirst. Its strong cooling nature directly addresses blazing Yang Ming Heat while protecting body fluids from further depletion.

Zhi Mu supports Shi Gao by clearing Heat while also nourishing Yin and generating fluids. This dual action is essential when Heat has begun to consume fluids, leading to dryness and intense thirst.

Zhi Gan Cao harmonizes the formula and protects the middle burner. It moderates the cold properties of Shi Gao and Zhi Mu while supporting the Stomach.

Jing Mi (nonglutinous rice) helps preserve fluids and supports the Stomach Qi, preventing the strong Heat-clearing herbs from damaging digestion.

Together, these four ingredients create a focused formula that strongly clears excess internal Heat while protecting fluids and digestion. Bai Hu Tang is appropriate for full, blazing Heat conditions—not deficiency or mild febrile patterns.

Contraindications

Not indicated in cases of deficiency Heat or Yin deficiency without excess.

Contraindicated in cold patterns or weak digestion.

Use with caution in patients with Spleen deficiency or loose stools due to its cold nature.

Not suitable when no signs of strong, excess Heat are present.