Can Pulsatilla (Baitouweng) treat pneumonia?
Mar 22, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Pulsatilla (Baitouweng) has functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood, and stopping dysentery. It is applicable for pulmonary inflammation caused by wind-heat or damp-heat. Administered internally as a decoction or used in combination with other heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese herbs, it can help alleviate symptoms such as fever, cough, and phlegm production, thereby promoting recovery. In this context, the heat-clearing effect of Pulsatilla helps eliminate heat toxins from the body and improve the inflammatory condition of the lungs.
Generally, in cases of mild pneumonia accompanied by heat-toxin symptoms, Pulsatilla (Baitouweng) may be used as an adjunctive treatment under medical guidance. However, it should not be used in cases of severe pneumonia or when there is a clear bacterial infection. If any abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:
Pulsatilla has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling the blood, and arresting diarrhea. It is suitable for pulmonary inflammation caused by wind-heat or damp-heat. When taken internally as a decoction or used in combination with other heat-clearing and detoxifying Chinese herbs, it may help relieve fever, reduce coughing and sputum production, and promote recovery. In such cases, the heat-clearing effect of Pulsatilla helps eliminate internal heat toxins and improve pulmonary inflammatory conditions.
However, severe pneumonia is typically accompanied by symptoms such as high fever, severe coughing, and difficulty breathing. The heat-clearing and detoxifying effects of Pulsatilla alone may be insufficient to control the condition, potentially delaying appropriate treatment. For bacterial pneumonia, targeted antibiotic therapy is required, and Pulsatilla does not possess antibacterial properties.
Pneumonia patients are advised to use medications such as Acyclovir Capsules, Cefalexin and Trimethoprim Tablets, and Ribavirin Tablets under a doctor's guidance to manage the condition.
【References】
[1] Liu Yanxia, Ren Minghui, Du Baozhong. Study on the mechanism of Pulsatilla in treating pulmonary tuberculosis based on network pharmacology [J]. Chinese Medical Herald, 2021, 28(27): 4-9+277-278.
[2] Wang Boyang. Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment for Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection [J]. Health Must-Read, 2025, (08): 30.
