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Bai Shao (白芍), the root of Paeonia lactiflora (white peony), nourishes the blood, regulates menstruation, calms ascendant Liver yang, preserves the yin and softens the Liver to relieve spasm and pain. It is a key herb for Liver blood deficiency and Liver-Spleen disharmony.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Paeonia lactiflora (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
Common English Name
White peony root
Taste
Bitter, sour
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Liver, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Nourishes the blood and regulates menstruation
- Calms and softens the Liver and relieves pain (especially abdominal and hypochondriac)
- Preserves the yin and adjusts the nutritive and defensive qi (stops sweating)
- Subdues ascendant Liver yang
Indications
Liver blood deficiency with irregular menstruation; abdominal pain and cramp, including pain from Liver overacting on the Spleen; hypochondriac pain; spontaneous sweating and night sweats; and headache and dizziness from Liver yang rising.
Dosage
6-15 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Gan Cao (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang) for cramping pain; with Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang and Chuan Xiong (Si Wu Tang) to tonify the blood.
Cautions & Contraindications
Use with caution in cold conditions from yang deficiency. Classically incompatible with Li Lu (Veratrum).