【Chinese Name】 |
白虎湯
|
【Phonetic】 |
Bai Hu Tang
|
【English Name】 |
White Tiger Decoction |
【Classification】 |
Heat-clearing formulas |
【Source】 |
《Treatise on Cold Damage》Shang Han Lun《傷寒論》 |
【Combination】 |
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) |
【Method】 |
Use one dou of water (2000 ml) to decoct the four medicinals. After the rice is cooked, strain out the liquid. Take one sheng (200 ml) of the decoction warm, three times a day. |
【Action】 |
Clears heat and generates fluids. |
【Indication】 |
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. |
【Pathogenesis】 |
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 surging, big, and forceful pulse manifest from the intense internal heat. The method of clearing heat and generating fluids is the most appropriate for this pattern of intense heat in the qi level. |
【Application】 |
1. Essential pattern 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. 2. Modern applications This formula is also used for acute epidemic and infectious diseases such as encephalitis, epidemic hemorrhagic fever, lobar pneumonia, leptospirosis, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, influenza, typhoid, acute dysentery, malaria, measles, and sepsis syndrome which have been differentiated as a pattern of excess heat in the qi level. 3. Cautions and contraindications 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. |
【Additonal formulae】 |
1. Bai Hu Jia Ren Shen Tang (White Tiger Decoction Plus Ginseng, 白虎加人參湯) [Source]《Treatise on Cold Damage》Shang Han Lun《傷寒論》 [Ingredients] Bai Hu Tang with the addition of ren shen 3 liang (18g). [Preparation and Administration] Use 1 dou of water (2000 ml) to decoct the five medicinals. After the rice is cooked, strain out the liquid. Take one sheng (200 ml) of the decoction warm, three times a day. [Actions] Clears heat, boosts qi, and promotes fluid production. [Applicable Patterns] Intense heat in the qi level, and damage of qi and fluids. 2. Bai Hu Jia Gui Zhi Tang (White Tiger Decoction Plus Cinnamon Twig, 白虎加桂枝湯) [Source]《Essentials from the Golden Cabinet》Jin Gui Yao Lue《金匱要略》 [Ingredients] Bai Hu Tang with the addition of gui zhi 3 liang (18g). [Preparation and Administration] Grind the medicinals into powder. One dose is 5 qian (15g). Add 1.5 zhan of water and decoct it until 80% water remain, remove the dregs and take it warm to induce sweat. [Actions] Clears heat, vents pathogens, unblocks the collaterals, and relieves pain. [Applicable Patterns] Warm malaria or wind-damp-heat bi. 3. Bai Hu Jia Cang Zhu Tang (White Tiger Decoction Plus Atractylodes, 白虎加蒼朮湯) [Source]《Book to Safeguard Life Arranged by Categorized Patterns》Lei Zheng Huo Ren Shu《類證活人書》 [Ingredients] Bai Hu Tang with the addition of cang zhu 3 liang (18g). [Preparation and Administration] Cut the medicinals into the size of bean. One dose is 5 qian (15g). Add 1.5 zhan of water and decoct it until 80-90% water remain, remove the dregs and take it warm to induce sweat. [Actions] Clears heat and dries dampness. [Applicable Patterns] Damp warmth disease with a preponderance of heat over dampness. |
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