Bái Huā Shé (白花蛇) — long-noded pit viper
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
I do not use this substance on animal-welfare grounds, and it is not prescribed in my practice. Related species are also restricted under endangered-species and welfare rules.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Qin Jiao, Sang Zhi and Fang Feng.
On this page
1. Overview
Bái Huā Shé (白花蛇) — long-noded pit viper (Agkistrodon acutus) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that dispel wind. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Bái Huā Shé or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Bái Huā Shé |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 白花蛇 |
| Source | long-noded pit viper (Agkistrodon acutus) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Liver |
| Traditional category | Dispel wind |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Bái Huā Shé was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Dispels wind and unblocks the channels
- Stops spasms and tremor
- Relieves stubborn itching
Traditional indications
- Wind-damp joint pain and numbness
- Convulsions and facial paralysis
- Chronic itchy skin conditions
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Bái Huā Shé, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Qin Jiao, Sang Zhi and Fang Feng. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
On animal-welfare grounds Bái Huā Shé is not used in my practice, and welfare rules mean it is not prescribed in UK Chinese herbal practice. All Chinese herbs should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
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