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Chi Shao (赤芍), the root of red peony, clears heat and cools the blood, and invigorates the blood to dispel stasis and reduce swelling; the cooling, blood-moving counterpart to Bai Shao.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Paeonia lactiflora / veitchii (Radix Paeoniae Rubra)
Common English Name
Red peony root
Taste
Bitter
Temperature
Slightly cold
Channels Entered
Liver
Actions & Functions
- Clears heat and cools the blood
- Invigorates the blood and dispels stasis (pain, masses)
- Reduces swelling of sores and benefits the eyes (Liver heat)
Indications
Heat in the blood with rashes and bleeding; blood stasis with dysmenorrhoea, masses and traumatic injury; and red, swollen, painful eyes.
Dosage
6-12 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Mu Dan Pi to cool and move the blood; with Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong for blood stasis.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in blood deficiency without stasis and during pregnancy. Classically incompatible with Li Lu.
