White Peony Root
白芍 · Báisháo
Paeonia lactiflora
Family: Paeoniaceae · Part used: Root · Origin: Bozhou, Anhui, China
Nature
Cool
Flavor
Bitter, sour
Meridian
Liver, Spleen
White peony root from Bozhou — the medicine capital of China — nourishes the blood and softens the liver, easing the tension and pain that arise from liver blood deficiency. It is one-quarter of the foundational Si Wu Tang blood formula and the key herb for soothing cramps and spasms anywhere in the body.
🌿 Functions & Actions
- •Nourishes liver blood
- •Softens the liver and relieves pain
- •Restrains yin and stops sweating
- •Calms liver yang
📋 Traditional Indications
- •Menstrual cramps and irregular periods
- •Muscle cramps and spasms
- •Costal and abdominal pain
- •Headache and dizziness from liver yang
- •Night sweats
- •Pallor and dizziness from blood deficiency
📖 Usage & Dosage
6–15 g in decoction, simmered 30 minutes; stir-fried with wine for stronger liver action.
🍵 Classic Recipes
Shao Yao Gan Cao Decoction
Bai shao 15 g + licorice 9 g — the classical two-herb formula for cramps and spasm pain.
Si Wu Tang
Bai shao with dang gui, shu di huang, and chuan xiong — the foundational blood-nourishing decoction.
🔬 Modern Research
Paeoniflorin, the signature monoterpene glycoside, is extensively studied for antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects, with growing clinical interest in polycystic ovary and neuropathic pain models.
⚠️ Contraindications
Avoid with deficiency-cold diarrhea. Traditionally antagonized by Veratrum (li lu).
