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Mu Dan Pi (牡丹皮), the root bark of the tree peony, clears heat and cools the blood, invigorates the blood and dispels stasis, and clears the deficiency heat that lacks sweating (rising in the afternoon).
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Paeonia suffruticosa (Cortex Moutan)
Common English Name
Tree peony root bark
Taste
Bitter, acrid
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Heart, Liver, Kidney
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and cools the blood (without causing stasis)
- Invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis
- Clears deficiency heat (steaming bone disorder without sweating)
Indications
Heat in the blood with bleeding and rashes; blood stasis with amenorrhoea, masses and trauma; and yin-deficiency heat with night-time fever.
Dosage
6-12 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Chi Shao to cool and invigorate the blood; in Liu Wei Di Huang Wan to clear deficiency heat.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in heavy menstruation and during pregnancy (it moves blood).
