Bái Tóu Wēng (白頭翁) — Pulsatilla Root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Bái Tóu Wēng (白頭翁) is the dried root of Pulsatilla chinensis, known in English as Chinese anemone root or Pulsatilla root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and resolve Toxicity and is one of the most reliable anti-dysenteric herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, traditionally used for damp-heat toxin presentations in the Lower Burner.

I prescribe Bái Tóu Wēng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
2. Cools the Blood and stops dysenteric disorders

Indications

1. Damp-Heat dysentery with abdominal pain, urgency, tenesmus and blood and pus in the stool (amoebic and bacterial dysentery in classical use)
2. Damp-Heat in the lower burner presenting as vaginal discharge with itching and burning
3. Persistent diarrhoea with bleeding from Heat-toxin patterns

4. Key formulas containing Bái Tóu Wēng

Bái Tóu Wēng is the chief herb in Bai Tou Weng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction), classically prescribed for damp-heat dysenteric disorders. It is often combined with Huang Lian, Huang Bai and Qin Pi in this context.

5. Modern research

Pulsatilla chinensis contains triterpenoid saponins (notably anemoside B4), lactones and phenolic acids. Studies report antimicrobial activity against Shigella, Salmonella, amoebae and trichomonads, alongside anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Anemoside B4 has been investigated as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory candidate. Clinical data from China support use in acute bacterial dysentery, though high-quality international trials are limited.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in cold-deficient diarrhoea (clear, watery stools without burning, cramping or blood). Avoid use in deficiency patterns without Heat. The cold, bitter nature can damage Spleen Qi if used long-term; reserve for active damp-heat patterns and discontinue once the heat-toxin clears.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Acute infectious dysentery and persistent bloody diarrhoea require immediate medical evaluation; do not rely on herbal medicine alone. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Bái Tóu Wēng as part of tailored herbal formulas for damp-heat presentations in the lower burner, persistent vaginal discharge with itching from damp-heat, and selected presentations of inflammatory bowel patterns. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.