White Peony Root
Paeonia lactiflora
白芍
Pinyin: Bái Sháo
Plant Family
Paeoniaceae
Part Used
Root (peeled and boiled - "white" prepared form)
Origin
Anhui, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Henan provinces of China
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
White Peony Root is the prepared root of the herbaceous peony, one of the most beloved flowers in China. The "white" refers to the preparation method (peeled and boiled, resulting in a whiter interior) rather than the flower color. It is a fundamental herb in Chinese medicine, valued for its ability to nourish blood, calm the liver, and relieve pain. Red Peony (Chi Shao) is a different species/part used for blood-moving, not tonification.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
slightly cold
Flavors (五味)
bitter, sour, sweet
Meridians (归经)
liver, spleen
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Nourishes blood and astringes yin
- Softens the liver and relieves pain
- Calms liver yang - for headache, dizziness, hypertension
- Regulates menstruation - for irregular periods, dysmenorrhea
- Stops sweating (both spontaneous and night sweats)
- Abdominal pain and muscle spasms
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used in decoctions, powders, and pills. Almost always used in combination formulas rather than alone. Famous combinations include Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) for women's health and Xiao Yao San for liver-spleen disharmony.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 6-15g daily (up to 30g for severe conditions). Powder/Capsules: 500-2000mg daily. Standardized extract (paeoniflorin): 100-300mg daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Summer and autumn, from plants 3-4 years old. Roots are dug, peeled, boiled briefly, then dried in the sun.
Quality Indicators
Thick, cylindrical roots with pale brown or pinkish-white color. The cross-section should be white/whitish-brown with radial markings. Sweet, slightly bitter taste. Haozhou, Anhui produces the most famous "Hao Bai Shao." Heavy, solid roots are better than light, brittle ones.
Storage
Store dried slices in airtight container in cool, dry place, protected from moisture. Can be stored for 2-3 years.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Diarrhea or loose stools due to spleen deficiency (cold nature)Excess cold conditionsPregnancy (may stimulate uterus)Breastfeeding (insufficient data)Low blood pressure
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe when used appropriately
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, bloating) in sensitive individuals
- Dizziness (in large doses)
- Allergic reaction (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants / blood thinners (may enhance effect)
- Blood pressure medications (may lower BP)
- Sedatives (may enhance effect)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Lithium (may increase levels)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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