Does Bai Tou Weng Tang treat headache and chest tightness?

Generally, Bai Tou Weng Tang has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood, and stopping dysentery. It is suitable for headaches and chest oppression caused by heat pathogens, but not for individuals with a cold-deficient constitution or conditions not caused by heat pathogens. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. A detailed analysis is as follows:

When symptoms of headache and chest oppression are caused by heat pathogens such as heat-toxin ascending disturbance or damp-heat accumulation, Bai Tou Weng Tang can exert its effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, removing heat pathogens from the body and thus alleviating symptoms of headache and chest oppression. For example, patients may present with fever, thirst, yellow urine, red tongue with yellow coating, and other manifestations of heat. In such cases, Bai Tou Weng Tang can effectively eliminate heat toxins from the body and restore physiological balance.

If the patient's constitution is cold-deficient, manifesting as cold intolerance, cold extremities, pale tongue with white coating, or if the condition is not caused by heat pathogens but rather by other factors such as cold-wind or phlegm-dampness, then using Bai Tou Weng Tang may exacerbate the condition or cause adverse reactions. Additionally, patients with spleen-stomach cold-deficiency should use Bai Tou Weng Tang cautiously to avoid damaging the yang energy of the spleen and stomach.

When using Bai Tou Weng Tang to treat headache and chest oppression, patients should follow medical instructions for appropriate medication, paying attention to dosage and administration methods to avoid adverse reactions.

References

[1] White-Headed翁—King of Herbs for Treating Dysentery Due to Heat-Toxin [J]. Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education of China, 2013, 11(14): 158.

[2] Yang Dan, Si Fuchun. Advances in Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Applications of the Classic Formula Bai Tou Weng Tang and Predictive Analysis of Quality Markers [J/OL]. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine University, 1-9 [Accessed March 22, 2025].