Bai Shao (White Peony Root) - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Name: Bai Shao
English Name: White Peony Root

Clinical Usage and Indications

  • Nourishes the blood and regulates menstrual problems due to blood deficiency (pale, lusterless complexion and nails) - menstrual dysfunction, vaginal discharge, uterine bleeding - very common herb for gynecological disorders (Si Wu Tang).
  • Calms liver yang, alleviates pain from constrained liver qi or disharmony between the liver and the spleen due to liver yang rising - cramping and spasms (limbs and abdomen), abdominal pain from dysentery, headache and dizziness.
  • Preserves yin, adjusts ying and wei levels - vaginal discharge and spermatorrhea, exterior wind-cold from deficiency with continuous sweating, spontaneous sweating, night sweats.

Functional Groups (Click for Summary/Study Notes)

Dosage and Preparation Notes

  • Dosage: 6-15g

Channels/Meridians Influenced

Associated Temperature and Taste

Cautions and Contraindications

  • Incompatible with Li Lu
  • Avoid in cases of yang deficiency and cold in the middle jiao - diarrhea, cold sensation in the stomach.

Staff Clinician Notes

  • Less cold, but bitter - clears liver heat or blood heat but weaker than Chi Shao Yao.

Herbal Formulas Which Include This Herb

Below you will find Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas which contain this particular herb (in alphabetical order). You may click on the name of the formula for more details or click on any of the products from our store to read usage information or purchase a particular formula.

  • Ba Zhen Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Pale complexion, fatigue, low stamina, light headedness, vertigo, palpitations (may be frequent), anxiety, poor appetite, reduced energy for speaking.

    The Pulse will be thin and frail or large and weak and the Tongue will be pale with a white coat.


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    • Ba Zhen Pian - Anemia, Heavy Menstruation, Weakness Herbal Formula

  • Bai He Gu Jin Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    For lung and kidney yin deficiency with signs such as dry cough, possibly with blood streaked sputum, dry and sore throat, heat in the five palms, nightsweats, wheezing.

    The Pulse will be thin and rapid and the Tongue will be red with little coating.


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  • Ban Xia Xie Xin Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Fang Feng Tong Sheng Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Gan Bing Zhi Ben Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Ge Gen Tang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Gu Zhi Shu Song Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Jiao Ai Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    This formula is generally a tonifying agent with herbs to invigorate the blood it is used for excessive menstruation, excessive spotting between periods or bleeding during pregnancy.  Other uses would be uterine bleeding and restless fetus syndrome.

    The Tongue is generally pale with a thin white coat and the Pulse will be thin and frail.


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  • Jin Gu Die Da Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Ma Zi Ren Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Constipation with dry/difficult to expel stools along with frequent urination.

    Pulse will be submerged and rapid or floating and choppy and the Tongue will have a dry, yellow coating.


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  • Ming Mu Di Huang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Qi Xue Da Bu Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Shao Yao Gan Cao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Shi Quan Da Bu Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Shu Gan Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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    • Shu Gan Pian - Acid Reflux, Distention, Liver Stagnation Herbal Formula

  • Si Wu Tang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Wen Jing Tang Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Wu Ling San Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Xi Guan Jie Xiao Tong Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Xiao Qing Long Wan

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  • Xiao Yao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Depression, anxiety, Headache, vertigo, hypochondriac pain, fatigue, poor appetite, bitter taste in the mouth.  In women - PMS, breast distention, irregular menstruation, fertility issues.

    The Pulse will be wiry and deficient and the Tongue will be pale-red/purplish.


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    • Xiao Yao Pian
    • Ease Tonic (concentrated capsules of xiao yao wan, easier to take over longer periods of time)
    • Jia Wei Xiao Yao Pian (modified version with the addition of heat clearing herbs, better for issues listed above along with skin issues such as eczema or dermatitis and/or stronger headaches, flushed face, etc.)

  • Yu Dai Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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