Mu Dan Pi - Tree Peony Root Cortex
TCM Materia Medica
Mu Dan Pi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "mu dan pi" which in english is 
"tree peony root cortex", is categorized within the "herbs that cool the blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart, kidney and liver channels and exhibits acrid, bitter (ku) and cool 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: 6-12g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Clears Heat (excess and deficient), Cools Blood. Nose bleed, bloody sputum or vomit, subcutaneous bleeding, frequent and profuse menses due to heat in the Blood.
- Clear Deficient Fire. Yin deficiency patterns such as steaming bone disorder after a warm-febrile disease particularly those without sweating.
- Clears Liver Blood Stasis. Amenorrhea, abdominal masses, bruises.
- Clears Rising Liver Fire. Headache, eye pain, flank pain, flushing, dysmenorrhea.
- Drains Pus, Reduces Swelling. Used topically for non-draining sores. Used internally for intestinal abscess.
Mu Dan Pi has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
Avoid in Pregnancy, Excess Menses due to Blood moving action.
Our clinical staff have made the following notes, regarding mu dan pi:
Compare with Chi Shao Yao.
Mu Dan Pi may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain - cramps), headache and/or women's health
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, mu dan pi is generally included in the following 17 formulas:
ViewDa Bu Gan Wan (Major Liver Nutrition Pills)
Brittle nails, yellowing of the skin (jaundice). Abdominal cramping, distension or pain in the hypochrondia due to liver qi stangation Fatty liver, hepatitis and other liver diseases.
ViewDa Huang Mu Dan Pi Wan (Rhubarb and Moutan Combination)
Breaks up heat, moves blood stagnation and reduces swelling, release through the bowels - appendicitis, lower abdominal distension with pain, intestinal abscesses, hemorrhoids. Post surgical infecti…
ViewEr Long Zuo Ci Wan (Deafness Left Supporting Pills)
Ringing in the ears/tinnitus. Unblocks the ears - useful for diminished hearing or temporary hearing loss. Red/dry eyes with blurry vision.
ViewGeng Nian An Wan (Peaceful Menopause)
Menopause symtpoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, restlessness and anxiety as a result of yin deficiency. Can be used for other yin deficient symtpoms such as tinnitus, dry skin…
ViewGe Xia Zhu Yu Wan (Drive Out Blood Stasis Below The Diaphragm Decoction)
For blood stasis below the diaphgram - abdominal masses, liver and spleen masses/swelling, colitis. A range of liver disorders are possibly applicable - cirrhosis, hepatic hemangioma, hepatitis, jau…
ViewGui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (Cinnamon and Poria Teapills)
For abdominal masses such as uterine cysts, ovarian cysts, benign tumors. May be used when blood stagnation symptoms appear during pregnancy. Uterine bleeding especially if the color is dark.
ViewJiang Ya Wan (Repress The Blood Pressure Pills)
Hypertension particularly with ascendent yang and heat signs - red face, red tongue, headaches, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, etc.
ViewJia Wei Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pills)
Derived from the base formula, xiao yao wan, an important formula for liver qi stagnation with herbs added to clear heat. Liver qi stagnation - menstrual issues, painful cycles, irregular cycles, br…
ViewJin Gu Die Da Wan (Tendon and Bone Injury Healing)
Bruising, sprains, swelling from soft tissue injuries. Broken or bruised bones. For post surgery recovery. For any other type of acute trauma to the body.
ViewJin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet)
Lethargy, low libedo, frequent urination with possible incontinence resulting from kidney yang deficiency. Sensation of cold, especially in the lower half.
ViewLiu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia)
Dizziness, tinnitus, possibly vertigo as a result of kidney and liver yin deficiency. Insomnia especially with night sweats, hot flashes, irritability. Spontaneous/nocturnal emissions. Menopaus…
ViewMing Mu Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Pills to Brighten the Eyes)
Blurry vision, floaters, possibly with dryness of the eyes as a result of the liver yin failing to nourish the eyes and kidney yin failing to brighten the vision.
ViewQian Lie Shu Wan (Prostate Comfort Pills)
Frequent and/or urgent urination, dribbling, incontinence. Treats Lin Syndrome conditions.
ViewQi Ju Di Huang Wan (Lycii Chrysanthemum Teapills)
Yin deficiency symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, night sweats, hot flashes, heat in the soles and dryness. Blurry vision, possibly with dry eyes.
ViewQing Hao Bie Jia Wan (Artemisia Annua and Soft-Shelled Turtle Formula)
Heat at night (nightsweats, sensation of heat) with a sensation of coolness in the early morning/upon waking, no effect on appetite. Pulse will be fine and rapid and the Tongue will be red with l…
ViewWen Jing Wan (Warm the Menses Formula)
Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, excessive uterine bleeding or spotting between cycles. Infertility, history of miscarriage.
ViewZhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Eight Flavor Rehmannia Teapills)
Steaming bone syndrome - dry and intensive persuasive sensation of heat possibly with flushing and tidal fever. Dizziness, vertigo, tinnitis, anxiety and restlessness resulting from yin deficiency. …
As noted above, mu dan pi is within the herbs that cool the blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... patterns of heat in the blood from febrile disease entering the blood level – blood moves recklessly and causes rashes, nosebleed, vomiting, spitting, or coughing of blood, blood in stool or urine also treats ying level of a febrile disea…)".
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