Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) is also known as white peony root. It has many uses, used for working through the liver and spleen channels.
Common Name: Chinese Peony
Scientific Name: Paeonia lactiflora
Origin: China, Korea, Japan (Summer and Fall)
Parts used: The root of Peony. Boil the root and remove the skin. Cook until its soft and then dry out. Cut into thin slices. Use it raw, stir fry with or without cooking wine.
Channels: Liver, Spleen
Properties: Bitter, Sour, Sweet, Slightly Cooling
Functions: Nourishes the blood. Anti-inflammation. Supports yin-deficient and heavy sweating
Benefits/Uses:
Calming spirits and liver
Supports Blood Pressure (Hypertensive)
Opens the artery
Relaxes the muscles
Menstrual cramps, a hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with cysts (polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS)
Autoimmune disorders
🌿Often blends with other herbs for various purposes:
Angelica Root (Dang Guey), Bupleurum (Chia Ho), Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch (Di Huang).
Cautions:
Bleeding disorders: Because peony might slow blood clotting, there is a concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Don't use it if you have a bleeding disorder.
Surgery: Peony might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using peony at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Liver Disease: Not suitable for long term use if a person has liver disease.
Always check with your doctor before taking any herbs.
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Reference:
Shealy, C. Norman M.D., Ph.D. "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies." 2017.
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