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(Fragrant herbs) enter the Liver blood level to astringe Qi.

Bai Shao (White Peony Root) specifically enters the Liver meridian. There are white and red varieties. The white variety has a sour taste, is slightly cold in nature, and is non-toxic. Its efficacy specifically targets the blood level of the Liver meridian to astringe Qi. This is because Qi belongs to Yang, and Blood belongs to Yin. When Yang is hyperactive, Yin declines; when Yin coagulates, Yang becomes latent. If Blood exceeds Qi, Blood coagulates and fails to circulate; if Qi exceeds Blood, Blood becomes dry and increasingly depleted. For conditions where Blood is excessive, pungent herbs are required to disperse it; thus, Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) is known as an herb that tonifies Liver Qi. For conditions where Qi is excessive, sour herbs are required to astringe it; thus, Bai Shao is known as an herb that astringes Liver fluids, gathers Liver Qi, and prevents Qi from moving recklessly. As recorded in texts regarding its functions: tonifying Qi and relieving irritability, astringing sweat and calming the fetus (when used with Gui Zhi [Cinnamon Twig], it astringes wind-induced sweating; when used with Ren Shen [Ginseng Root], it astringes deficiency-induced sweating); treating consumptive fever; and treating tenesmus after dysentery, abdominal fullness and distension, and hypochondriac pain (the hypochondrium is the region of the Liver and Gallbladder meridians; using this herb can regulate the middle Jiao and clear fire); lung distension and belching/counterflow qi; carbuncles, sores, hernia, and mass formations; epistaxis and dry eyes (using this herb nourishes Yin and clears fire, allowing self-healing); and urinary retention (Zhang Gao stated: Bai Shao can nourish Yin and moisten dampness to retain body fluids, thus promoting urination naturally, not through diuretic action). Which of these effects is not caused by excessive Liver Qi leading to the failure of Yin fluids to be retained? (Zhang Gao stated: In Si Wu Tang [Four Substances Decoction], Shaoyao is used largely because its sour and astringent properties make it an agent for astringing and retaining dampness, thus governing the astringent nature of the Hand and Foot Taiyin meridians. Li Yuanhao stated: Bai Shao enters the Spleen meridian and tonifies the Middle Jiao; it is a necessary herb for treating diarrhea/dysentery. Since diarrhea and dysentery are all diseases of the Taiyin, this herb cannot be omitted. Paired with Zhi Gan Cao [Honey-fried Licorice Root] as an assistant, it treats abdominal pain. In summer, add Huang Qin [Scutellaria Root] in small amounts; for aversion to cold, add Gui Zhi [Cinnamon Twig]. These are Zhang Zhongjing's divine formulas. Its uses are sixfold: calming the Spleen meridian, one; treating abdominal pain, two; astringing Stomach Qi, three; stopping diarrhea/dysentery, four; harmonizing Blood vessels, five; and consolidating the Cou Li [interstitial spaces/skin and muscles], six.) Therefore, texts state it can tonify the Spleen and Lungs because once Liver Qi is restrained, Wood does not overact on Earth; when Earth is peaceful, Metal also receives nourishment, so the Spleen and Lungs become harmonious naturally. (Zhang Gao stated: The Classics say: "To injure the Liver, soothe its center," which means regulating Blood.) It should not be used indiscriminately postpartum because Qi and Blood are already deficient, and Shaoyao might damage the vital generating Qi. (Feng Zhaozhang stated: Postpartum use of Shaoyao, assisted by Jiang [Ginger] and Gui [Cinnamon], prepared with wine frying, applied appropriately—what fixed formula constraints exist? However, if abdominal pain is not due to Blood deficiency, it must not be mistakenly used. Because various abdominal pains are suitable for pungent dispersion, whereas Shaoyao is sour and astringent. He further stated: Nowadays, people use Shaoyao by rigidly adhering to previous authorities' fixed statements, often fearing it cautiously during the postpartum period or winter months. Yet, when encountering Huang Qin [Scutellaria Root], Huang Lian [Coptis Rhizome], and Zhi Zi [Gardenia Fruit], they view them as ordinary essential herbs. Whenever fever occurs, regardless of excess or deficiency, they administer them, causing floating of deficient Yang. What a pity!) However, if used appropriately, what is there to fear? (When used with Bai Zhu [Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome], it tonifies the Spleen; with Ren Shen [Ginseng Root] and Huang Qi [Astragalus Root], it tonifies Qi; with Dang Gui [Angelica Sinensis Root] and Di Huang [Rehmannia Root], it tonifies Blood; with Chuan Xiong [Sichuan Lovage Rhizome], it drains the Liver; with Gan Cao [Licorice Root], it stops abdominal pain; with Huang Lian [Coptis Rhizome], it stops diarrhea/dysentery; with Fang Feng [Saposhnikovia Root], it promotes eruption of pox/rashes; with Sheng Jiang [Fresh Ginger] and Da Zao [Jujube Fruit], it warms the meridians and disperses dampness.) Are not Zhang Zhongjing's Hei Shen San [Black Spirit Powder] and Shao Yao Tang [Peony Decoction] essential herbs for the postpartum period? It depends entirely on accurate syndrome differentiation. Those from Hangzhou are of superior quality. Use after wine frying. Adverse interactions: incompatible with Mang Xiao [Mirabilite] and Shi Hu [Dendrobium Stem]; fearful of Bie Jia [Tartaric Turtle Shell] and Xiao Ji [Cirsium Herba]; contrary to Li Lu [Veratrum Rhizome] and Chi Shao [Red Peony Root]. The rationale is detailed elsewhere.