Wū Tóu Tāng (乌头汤, Aconite Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Warm interior category, with Chuan Wu as chief herb. It contains Chuān Wū (processed), Má Huáng, Bái Sháo, Huáng Qí, Zhì Gān Cǎo and Fēng Mì (honey). Actions: warms channels; disperses Cold; expels Wind-Damp; relieves pain.
| Pinyin | Wū Tóu Tāng (Wu Tou Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 乌头汤 |
| English | Aconite Decoction |
| Category | Warm interior |
| Chief | Chuan Wu |
| Tongue | Pale, white coat |
| Pulse | Deep, wiry or tight |
| Cautions | Contains prepared aconite (Fù Zǐ or Chuān Wū): toxic if raw or under-cooked. Use only processed root, decoct first for 30 to 60 minutes, stay within standard doses; contraindicated in pregnancy. Contains Má Huáng (ephedra): avoid with hypertension, heart disease, insomnia, anxiety or exterior deficiency with sweating; regulated in some countries. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Chuān Wū (processed) | 9g |
| Má Huáng | 9g |
| Bái Sháo | 9g |
| Huáng Qí | 9g |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo | 9g |
| Fēng Mì (honey) | 20ml |
Actions
Warms channels; disperses Cold; expels Wind-Damp; relieves pain
Indications
Cold-Damp Bi with severe joint pain, limited movement, cold extremities — refractory cold painful obstruction
Test yourself
What herbs are in Wū Tóu Tāng?
Wū Tóu Tāng contains Chuān Wū (processed) 9g, Má Huáng 9g, Bái Sháo 9g, Huáng Qí 9g, Zhì Gān Cǎo 9g and Fēng Mì (honey) 20ml.
What is Wū Tóu Tāng used for?
Cold-Damp Bi with severe joint pain, limited movement, cold extremities — refractory cold painful obstruction.
What are the actions of Wū Tóu Tāng?
Warms channels; disperses Cold; expels Wind-Damp; relieves pain.
What tongue and pulse go with Wū Tóu Tāng?
Tongue: Pale, white coat. Pulse: Deep, wiry or tight.
Use Wū Tóu Tāng in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.