Chi Shao - Red Peony Root
TCM Materia Medica
Chi Shao TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "chi shao" which in english is 
"red peony root", is categorized within the "herbs that invigorate blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver and spleen channels and exhibits bitter (ku), cool and sour (suan) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 4.5-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Invigorates blood, dispels stasis (stronger than Mu Dan Pi) - dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, abdominal pain and masses, traumatic pain associated with swelling, early stages of abscesses and boils.
- Clears heat, cools the blood (especially for excess heat in the blood) - for heat entering the blood level with fever, purple tongue, skin blotches, bleeding, gyn issues.
- Clears liver fire - for red swollen, painful eyes.
Chi Shao has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Incompatible with Li Lu
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding chi shao:
- Compare with Mu Dan Pi, Bai Shao.
- Used for bleeding conditions due to excess-heat in the blood or febrile disease conditions.
Chi Shao may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: abdominal pain, amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain - cramps), furuncles (boils) and/or trauma
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, chi shao is generally included in the following 12 formulas:
As noted above, chi shao is within the herbs that invigorate blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... for blood stasis - pain, abscesses and ulcers, abdominal masses. )".
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