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Paeoniae Radix (Shaoyao)

Taste: Bitter, sour. Nature: Neutral, slightly cold. The qi is thin and the flavor is strong; it can ascend and descend, representing yang within yin. It has slight toxicity. It grows in many places, but the best quality comes from Huainan. Although the flowers come in five colors, only the red and white roots are used for medicine. Those growing in valleys have sparse flowers and leaves, with heavy, solid roots that possess strong efficacy; those cultivated in gardens have lush flowers and leaves, but light, hollow roots lacking efficacy. It is incompatible with Veratrum nigrum Rhizome (Lilu, 藜芦), and opposes Natrii Sulfas (Mangxiao, 芒硝) and Dendrobii Caulis (Shihu, 石斛). It fears Natrii Nitras (Xiaoshi, 硝石), Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Guijia, 龟甲), and Cirsii Japonici Herba (Xiaoji, 小蓟); it is guided by Linderae Radix (Wuyao, 乌药), Myrrha (Moyao, 没药), and Polyporus (Leiwan, 雷丸). It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Organ. Due to their color difference, Red Paeoniae Radix (Chishaoyao, 赤芍药) and White Paeoniae Radix (Baishaoyao, 白芍药) differ in processing and treatment effects. Red Paeoniae Radix corresponds to the South (Fire), can purge heat and disperse stasis, and is best used raw; White Paeoniae Radix corresponds to the West (Metal), can tonify and astringe, and is most effective when stir-fried with wine. (If used to tonify yin, soak in wine and sun-dry, avoiding fire.) Red Paeoniae Radix promotes urination and clears heat, resolves carbuncles and masses, and is a key herb for treating eye pain caused by excess fire; White Paeoniae Radix harmonizes blood vessels and relieves urgency, secures the interstices and stops dysentery, and is an excellent formula for abdominal pain due to blood deficiency. Regarding subsequent modifications: add Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin, 黄芩) for heat, add Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui, 肉桂) for cold. Combined with Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术) to tonify the spleen; combined with Ginseng Radix (Renshen, 人参) and Astragali Radix (Huangqi, 黄芪) to boost qi; combined with Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong, 川芎) to drain the liver. For various postpartum conditions in women, decoction and consumption are strictly contraindicated because its sour and cold nature may damage the body's generating and ascending properties. If absolutely necessary, use a small amount soaked and stir-fried in wine decocted with Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui jian jiu, 肉桂煎酒). Patients with blood deficiency and cold constitution should also avoid taking it. The Classic says: "Reduce Shaoyao usage in winter to avoid middle-cold," which confirms this principle.

(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Why does Shaoyao enter the Hand- and Foot-Taiyin meridians? This is likely because its sour and astringent taste makes it an agent for convergence and retaining dampness. Although it primarily acts on the Hand- and Foot-Taiyin, its fundamental nature remains convergent and descending. Furthermore, it penetrates deep into the Blood Sea and reaches the Foot-Jueyin Liver. Given its sour and收敛 (astringent) nature, why does it promote urination? This is because the Kidney governs both large and small bowel movements; using this herb nourishes yin and moistens, thereby facilitating urination. Zhang Zhongjing often used it extensively in treating Cold Damage (Shanghan, 伤寒), not precisely because it treats chills and fever and promotes urination? Another theory states: Shaoyao is inherently not a diuretic; rather, because it retains dampness and generates fluids, urination becomes smooth naturally, which is also logically consistent. What is meant by "relieving the center" (huan zhong, 缓中)? It refers to "when the Liver is damaged, soothe its interior," meaning harmonizing blood and relieving pain. Zhu Danxi said: Shaoyao is specifically for abdominal pain due to blood deficiency. However, various pains generally require acrid-dispersing methods. Here, only sour-astringency is used to harmonize blood; once blood is harmonized, pain ceases naturally. Is this not what is meant by "relieving the center"?