Bai Hu Tang
Star白虎汤 (White Tiger Decoction)
Source: Shang Han Lun — Zhang Zhongjing (Han, 220)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) is the classic formula for clearing Yang Ming channel excess heat — intense fever with profuse sweating, extreme thirst, and flooding pulse. Shi Gao (gypsum) and Zhi Mu powerfully clear heat and nourish Yin, while Jing Mi (rice) and Gan Cao protect the Stomach. The 'White Tiger' name refers to the fearsome cooling power of autumn and the Metal element.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shi Gao
Decoct first (crush).
|
30g | 58.82% | Jun (Chief) | Strongly clears blazing heat from the qi level and drains Stomach fire |
| Zhi Mu | 9g | 17.65% | Chen (Deputy) | Clears heat while nourishing yin and moistening dryness |
| Jing Mi | 9g | 17.65% | Zuo (Assistant) | Protects the Stomach qi and generates fluids |
| Gan Cao | 3g | 5.88% | Shi (Envoy) | Harmonizes the formula and protects the middle burner |
Total weight: 66g
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net cold (-1.53)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 77%, neutral 24%.
Taste
- pungent 29%
- sweet 62%
- bitter 9%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Stomach 100%
- Spleen 24%
- Kidney 18%
- Heart 6%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Cook rice (Jing Mi) first until soft, then add Shi Gao (crushed), Zhi Mu, and Gan Cao. Simmer 30 minutes. Strain through fine sieve to remove Shi Gao residue. Take cool.
Dosage
Decoction: 1–2 doses/day. Take cool for high fever. Contraindicated in deficiency-cold, no fever, or excessive sweating from Qi deficiency.
Conditions Addressed
Related Formulas
Relationships
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Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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