Library

Raw Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) is used to treat dysentery; wine-fried Bai Shao dispels cold; vinegar-processed Bai Shao enters the gynecological blood level. It is incompatible with Shi Hu (Dendrobii Caulis), Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas); it fears Xiao Ji (Cirsii Herba), Niao Shi (Nitrums), and Bie Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum); it is chemically opposite to Li Lu (Veratri Rhizoma).

Sour, cold, bitter, neutral, non-toxic; its nature is astringent and binding. It enters the Liver, Gallbladder, Lung, and Spleen meridians. It nourishes blood and drains Liver fire, calms the Spleen and soothes the Lungs, dissipates stasis and promotes urination, relieves irritability and reduces fever. It consolidates the Cou Li (interstitial spaces) to stop sweating, harmonizes the blood vessels to gather Qi, relieves abdominal pain and pacifies the Liver, eliminates tenesmus and stops dysentery. It treats conditions such as epigastric fullness and hypochondriac pain, nasal bleeding and dry eyes, abscesses, hernias, and masses, hemorrhoids, fistulas, sores, and scabies. It alleviates wheezing due to Lung distension and relieves cramping and stiffness of the feet. It treats all gynecological diseases; for postpartum conditions, indications and contraindications must be considered. According to Zhang Zhongjing's treatment of postpartum conditions, Bai Shao was not omitted, indicating that Shao Yao (Peony Root) is not strictly contraindicated postpartum. It is suitable for patients with a slow pulse and sweating.

Bai Shao grows in the valleys of Mount Zhong. It is harvested in the second and eighth lunar months. It is now found everywhere, but those from Huainan are superior. In spring, red shoots emerge in clusters, with three branches and five leaves. Flowers appear in early summer, coming in red, white, purple, and pale varieties.

[Prescription 1] For protruding eyeballs: Bai Shao, Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Shou Wu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). [Prescription 1]

Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) is bitter, cold, and non-toxic. It drains Liver fire, dissipates blood stasis, treats abdominal pain, and removes accumulations. It expels intestinal wind and abscesses, regulates blood bi and hernias/masses. It has strong diuretic effects. For deficiency-cold abdominal pain, take it with Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). Suitable for those with a slow pulse. [Prescription 1]

For Hong Kong foot (podagra/tinea pedis) swelling and pain, take with Zhi Gan Cao powder. [2]

For Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst/Diabetes), when other medicines are ineffective, use as above. [3]

For Wu Lin (Five Types of Dysuria), take with Bing Lang (Arecae Semen) powder; Chi Shao is preferred. [4]

For nasal bleeding, take Chi Shao powder. [5]

For Beng Lou (metrorrhagia/metrostaxis) with lower abdominal pain, decoct with Bai Ye (Platycladi Cacumen). [6]

For persistent menstruation, decoct with Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma) and Ai Ye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium). [7]

For Chi Dai (red leukorrhea), take Chi Shao and Xiang Fu powder. [8]

For chronic Chi and Bai Dai (red and white leukorrhea), stir-fry into powder and take with wine. [9]

For Jin Chuang (metal wounds) bleeding, roast until yellow, grind into powder, take with wine, and apply the dregs externally regularly. [10]

For Dou Chuang (smallpox/chickenpox) swelling and pain, grind into powder and take with wine. [11]

For Mu She (wooden tongue/swollen tongue), take Chi Shao with Gan Cao. [12]

For fish bone impaction, chew thoroughly and swallow. [13]

For fright caused by internal heat from Qi and Fire, decoct Bai Shao, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Mi Ke (Papaveris Pericarpium), and Gan Cao in water. [14]

Guizhi Jia Shaoyao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Plus Peony): Double the amount of Bai Shao in the original Guizhi Tang.
Treats abdominal fullness and intermittent pain after erroneous purgation, belonging to Taiyin disease. [Formulas 1]

Shaoyao Gancao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction): Bai Shao, Gan Cao.
Treats Shanghan (Cold Damage) with floating pulse, sweating, irritability, aversion to cold, frequent urination, and leg cramps. [2]

Shaoyao Gancao Fuzi Tang (Peony, Licorice, and Aconite Decoction):
Treats Shanghan where sweating fails to resolve the condition, accompanied by increased aversion to cold. [3]

Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction Minus Peony): Remove Bai Shao from the original Guizhi Tang.
Treats Shanghan after erroneous purgation, presenting with chest fullness and a rapid, surging pulse. [4]

For elderly people with sudden severe redness and pain in the eyes: Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Bai Shao, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Dan Cao (Gentianae Radix).
Decoct in water and wine. [5]