Bai Tou Weng - Chinese Pulsatilla Root

Bai Tou Weng (白头翁), derived from the root of Pulsatilla chinensis, is a potent heat-clearing and toxin-resolving herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Named for its white-haired appearance ("white-haired old man"), it specializes in treating severe damp-heat conditions of the lower body, particularly acute intestinal infections.

Key Benefits
Clears Damp-Heat (清热燥湿) – First-line herb for bacterial dysentery with bloody stools.
Cools Blood (凉血止痢) – Stops intestinal bleeding from heat-toxin patterns.
Anti-inflammatory – Modern use for ulcerative colitis and pelvic inflammation.
Antimicrobial – Broad-spectrum activity against intestinal pathogens.

Dosage & Administration
Acute Dysentery: 9–15g decoction (with Huang Lian and Huang Bai).
Chronic Conditions: 6–9g in formulas for 2–4 weeks.
Topical Use: Decoction as enema for colitis.
Classic Formula:
Bai Tou Weng Tang – For heat-toxin dysentery.

Characteristics
Taste: Bitter with persistent numbing sensation.
Nature: Cold with strong descending action.

Safety Notes
Contraindicated in chronic diarrhea from spleen-kidney yang deficiency.
Overuse may cause mild gastric irritation.
Not for pediatric use under age 6 without professional guidance.

Traditional applications described for educational purposes. Professional guidance recommended for therapeutic use.