Bái Sháo · White Peony Root
Bái Sháo (白芍, White Peony Root) is a herb of Cool nature and Bitter, Sour flavor, in the “Blood Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to nourish Blood, Astringe Yin, Pacify Liver Yang.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Bái Sháo
- Characters
- 白芍
- Botanical name
- Paeonia lactiflora Pall.
- Family
- Paeoniaceae
- Part used
- Root
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Bitter, Sour
- Meridians
- Liver, Spleen
- Category
- Blood Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Nourish Blood
- Astringe Yin
- Pacify Liver Yang
- Relieve Pain
Traditional uses
- Blood deficiency causing pale complexion, dizziness
- Irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea
- Liver qi stagnation with flank pain
- Abdominal pain and diarrhea from Liver-Spleen disharmony
- Night sweats and spontaneous sweating
Studied effects and current applications
- Regulates menstruation and relieves menstrual cramps
- Calms liver yang rising (headaches, dizziness)
- Relieves spasms and muscle cramps
- Nourishes blood to moisten dryness
- Softens liver and harmonizes Liver-Spleen
Applications under investigation
- Menstrual disorders and PMS
- Fibromyalgia and muscle spasms
- Hypertension with liver yang rising
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Autoimmune conditions
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Cold deficiency diarrhea
- Concurrent use with Veratrum (Li Lu)
Relative contraindications
- Spleen deficiency with damp-cold
- Yang deficiency cold conditions
- Pregnancy
- Use cautiously. Often used in formulas during pregnancy for abdominal pain.
- Breastfeeding
- Generally considered safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Safe in appropriate doses for children.
- Older adults
- Beneficial for elderly with blood deficiency and liver yang rising.
Possible adverse effects
- Possible loose stools in high doses
- Mild abdominal discomfort
When to stop
- Diarrhea develops
- Cold extremities worsen
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin | Mild | Mild antiplatelet activity Monitor INR |
| Antispasmodics | Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine | Mild | Additive antispasmodic effects Monitor for excessive muscle relaxation |
With other herbs
- licorice Synergistic - classic combination in many formulas
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 6-15 grams daily
- Powder
- 1.5-3 grams daily
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 2-3 months
- Maximum
- Long term with breaks
- Children
- Safe for children in appropriate doses.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-15g in 3 cups water 30-45 min. Drink warm twice daily.
Blood nourishing, menstrual regulation
Take 1.5-3g powder with warm water.
Convenience
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Glycosidic monoterpenes (paeoniflorin) and tannic acid
Lactonic glycoside monoterpene (paeoniflorin) · Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory
Adenosine A1 modulation, NF-κB inhibition, glutamate excitotoxicity reduction · 3-6% in root; official quality marker (Chinese Pharmacopoeia ≥1.6%)
Monoterpene glucoside (paeoniflorin isomer) · Anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory
GABA-A receptor modulation, COX inhibition · 0.5-2%
Glycosidic monoterpenes · Antitumor, anti-inflammatory
NF-κB inhibition, apoptosis induction · 0.1-0.5%
Phenolic acids and tannins · Antioxidant, antiviral, astringent
Radical scavenging, viral protease inhibition, protein precipitation · 1-5%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Summer (June-July), 3-5 year old plants
Roots harvested in summer when the aerial parts are more vigorous. Zhejiang (杭白芍 Háng Bái Sháo) produces the best quality. They are washed, the outer rind scraped, and boiled briefly before drying to inactivate oxidases.
Scraped root, boiled briefly 5-10 minutes to inactivate enzymes that degrade paeoniflorin, then sliced and dried.
Slices sprinkled with yellow wine and fried over medium heat. Wine enhances the action on the Liver and improves penetration into the meridians.
Dry fried slices over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. Reduces the coldness and astringency of the raw herb.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
