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Bai Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), with a sour and bitter taste, is neutral in nature and slightly cold. It is non-toxic. When used in wine preparations for tonifying the spleen, it should be stir-fried with wine. When used in hemostatic preparations, it should be stir-fried with vinegar. When used to harmonize the Ying (Nutrient) level, or to treat tenesmus after dysentery, blood-heat carbuncles, and toxins, it should be used raw and washed with wine. When used for conditions of blood deficiency, edema, and abdominal distension, it should be processed with Cinnamon Twig wine. It is incompatible with Veratrum nigrum (Lilu).

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states that it primarily treats abdominal pain caused by pathogenic factors, eliminates blood bi (obstruction), promotes urination, and benefits Qi.

Invention (Analysis of Pharmacological Principles): Bai Shaoyao is sour and cold; it astringes body fluids to protect the Ying (Nutrient) blood and gathers Yin Qi to drain pathogenic heat. By draining the pathogenic heat of the Liver, it thereby tonifies the Yin of the Spleen. This corresponds to the statement in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* regarding its ability to treat pathogenic factors, abdominal pain, and benefit Qi. Therefore, Zhang Zhongjing regarded it as the primary herb for tonifying the Ying level, entering the Blood aspects of the Liver and Spleen meridians. For chills and fever affecting the Yang Wei vessel (Yang Linking Vessel) and abdominal pain affecting the Dai vessel (Girdle Vessel), it tonifies the Middle and Lower Jiao and can drain water while strengthening Earth (Spleen). It is an essential herb for treating bloody dysentery, but must be used in conjunction with Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) to embody the principle of "incorporating dispersal within astringency." The subtle efficacy of Jianzhong Tang (Middle-Joint Decoction) is not widely understood by people. Generally, diarrhea and dysentery are diseases of the Taiyin (Spleen); Jianzhong Tang specifically treats Taiyin abdominal pain. In the treatment of blood bi, it is used in Guizhi Wuwu Tang (Cinnamon Twig Five-Ingredient Decoction). Only those who deeply comprehend the profound principles of the *Shennong Bencao Jing* can utilize it in this manner. Furthermore, when combined with Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root), it treats acute abdominal pain; when combined with Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), it tonifies the Spleen; when combined with Xiong (Angelica Sinensis Root), it drains the Liver; when combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), it tonifies blood deficiency; when combined with Huanglian (Coptis Rhizoma), it stops diarrhea and dysentery; when combined with Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus), it warms the meridians and dispels dampness. The key lies in the practitioner applying each appropriately according to the specific indication.

In cases where Yang Qi is deficient and declining, and Yin Qi is scattered, leading to abdominal fullness and urgency, adding a single dose of Bai Shaoyao to Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) to gather Yin will resolve the distension caused by Yang deficiency failing to control Yin, which will dissipate upon the administration of Yang-tonifying herbs. However, it is contraindicated in patients with Qi deficiency and internal cold. As the ancients said, "Reduce Shaoyao to avoid middle-jiao cold," a warning that cannot be ignored. It is also contraindicated postpartum because its sour and cold nature drains the Liver and damages the vitalizing Qi. It is strictly forbidden for patients with difficulty in urination, as the Bladder's acid-astringent effect would cause further retention. Its use in Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) to promote urination deeply aligns with the intent of the *Shennong Bencao Jing*. Zhenwu Tang originally treats Kidney Essence injury in Shaoyin disease presenting with deficiency-cold patterns, not the urinary retention (long bi) of Taiyang Bladder dysfunction. It utilizes Bai Shaoyao's ability to nourish Yin and blood and cultivate body fluids, allowing urination to occur naturally rather than through direct diuresis. In Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), it is used to protect Ying blood so pathogens do not invade internally. In Jianzhong Tang, it is used to cultivate the Spleen organ and treat abdominal pain caused by the internal entrapment of Yang pathogens. These subtleties in Zhang Zhongjing's herbal application ultimately adhere to the principles of the *Shennong Bencao Jing*. The effects mentioned therein—eliminating blood bi, breaking firm accumulations, treating cold-heat hernia and masses, relieving pain, and promoting urination—refer specifically to Chi Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) and have no relation to Bai Shaoyao. Since the *Shennong Bencao Jing* did not distinguish between red and white varieties, they were historically treated uniformly.