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The root suitable for medicinal use is that of the white-flowered, single-petaled *Paeonia lactiflora*. Its flavor and aroma are most concentrated. The redness or whiteness of the root follows that of the flower. Recently used Chi Shao (Red Peony Root) is often selected from Bai Shao (White Peony Root). Bai Shao has a sour taste, while Chi Shao has a bitter taste; this is the key distinction. Currently, a type of Chi Shao sold in markets is of unknown botanical origin, frequently used by dermatologists and pediatricians, causing significant harm. To distinguish between them: although the exterior of both roots appears white, cut a slice from each root, moisten with rice wine, cover, and leave overnight. The Bai Shao slice will turn whiter, while the Chi Shao slice will turn redder.

The root tastes sour and bitter, is neutral in nature, and slightly cold in qi. Its action can ascend or descend, and it belongs to Yin. It is a guiding herb for the Hand and Foot Taiyin meridians, entering the Blood aspect of the Liver and Spleen. Bai Shao tonifies while Chi Shao drains; Bai Shao astringes while Chi Shao disperses. Generally, Bai Shao restrains the Liver and tonifies the Spleen, rapidly strengthening the Spleen meridian; Chi Shao regulates the Stomach and moves the Liver, greatly benefiting the Liver meridian. (Cheng Wuji) Paeonia grows during the time of closure and storage but sprouts early, generating a pulse of Yang qi with very early penetrating vitality. The world only praises its ability to astringe and descend fire, not knowing that it mainly treats pain caused by pathogenic factors invading the abdomen leading to blockage and rejection. Its power can open from within, driving pathogens out from the inside. Regarding clearing blood bi (obstruction), breaking down firm accumulations, hernias, and masses, and promoting urination, are these not all effects of "astringing while moving"? (Zhang Yuansu)

[Discussion] Bai Shao tastes sour and is originally a Liver formula, but it is most closely related to the Spleen because the Spleen's function is governed by the Liver. Since the Liver governs the Spleen, it also manifests the function of the Lung. Mother and son generate each other, and the Liver is also governed by the Lung. However, Bai Shao acts on the Lung via the Liver, governing Qi and astringency; Chi Shao acts on the Heart via the Liver, governing Blood and dispersion. Ultimately, neither departs from the Spleen.

Bai Shao indications: Sour and cold, it astringes Yin; sour and bitter, it drains the Liver; it calms the Spleen and Lung, and astringes Stomach Qi (for cases of blocked Stomach Qi). It regulates Middle Qi, astringes rebellious Qi, harmonizes the Blood vessels, and secures the Cou Li (skin and pores). It treats Spleen deficiency with abdominal fullness, epigastric stuffiness, hypochondriac pain, and frequent belching. It treats Lung urgency, distension, rebellious Qi, wheezing, and cough. It treats wind-induced fever, removes irritability, and stops dysentery with abdominal pain and tenesmus. (For chronic diarrhea leading to Yin depletion, using other cold herbs worsens the condition; only using Bai Shao to astringe Yin and clear deficient heat yields results.) And for blood-related disorders.

Penetrating deep below the nine earths, it reaches the Jueyin meridian. (Li Dongyuan) It removes Wood qi from the Earth (soothes the Liver), guides other herbs into Spleen Yin to assist transformative Qi. When combined with Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Jia (Liver Wood) and Ji (Spleen Earth) combine, allowing Wood to transform according to Earth, which is the so-called "removing Wood from Earth." It drains the Spleen and tonifies the Liver, thus rapidly strengthening the Spleen meridian and astringing Spleen Yin. Once Yin is astringed, Fire retreats, so it can also drain Spleen Fire. (Why does Bai Shao specifically drain Spleen Fire? Because astringing Yin summons Yang; when Yang returns to Yin, pathogenic Fire dissipates naturally.) It tonifies Qi; combined with Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), it tonifies Blood; combined with Gan Cao, it stops abdominal pain. (When pain is acute and contracting, even preventing leg extension, this is Wood insulting Earth. Deficient pain belongs to the Spleen; Spleen deficiency allows Liver to invade. Bai Shao drains Liver pathogenic factors and specifically tonifies Middle Jiao Spleen Qi, hence its efficacy.) Combined with Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), it stops diarrhea and dysentery; combined with Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), it promotes eruption of smallpox/rashes; combined with Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) and Da Zao (Jujube), it warms meridians and dispels dampness. (Li Shizhen) Assisted by Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), and Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit), it drains fire and clears heat-dryness; assisted by Sheng Jiang, Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), and Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), it warms meridians and dispels cold-dampness. For cold-aversion with abdominal pain, add Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig); for heat-aversion with abdominal pain, add Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root). Wine-fried as the sovereign herb, assisted by Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice), it is the best formula for strengthening the Spleen, treating blood-deficiency abdominal pain. Combined with Huang Lian, Hua Shi (Talcum), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Gan Cao, Lian Rou (Lotus Seed Plumule), Bian Dou (Lablab Bean), and Ge Gen (Kudzu Root), it treats dysentery miraculously. Combined with Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), Rou Kou (Nutmeg), Ju Pi (Citrus Peel), and Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed), it treats Spleen-deficiency diarrhea. Two liang of wine-fried Bai Shao, two qian of Zhi Gan Cao, and fifty lotus seeds (heart removed), decocted in water, treats smallpox with heat and diarrhea. If heat is severe, add one qian of wine-fried Huang Lian. Using Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root) and Zhi Gan Cao as sovereign herbs treats smallpox with blood-deficiency itching. Combined with Jing Jie (Schizonepeta Spike), Fang Feng, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), and Zhi Gan Cao, it treats intestinal wind bleeding. Combined with Dang Gui, Di Huang, Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root, stir-fried black), Gan Jiang, Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), it treats postpartum blood-deficiency fever. Combined with Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) and Fang Feng, it treats exterior deficiency wind-strike with spontaneous sweating. There are cases where using only Bai Shao and Gan Cao cured nine-year-old diabetes mellitus (Xiao Ke) after seven days; this is Zhong Xiao (Middle Jiao Diabetes). Bai Shao and Gan Cao tonify Spleen Yin and harmonize Stomach Yang, truly capable of treating this. For nosebleeds and hemoptysis, use one liang of Bai Shao and two qian half of Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn, substitute now) powder, taken with fresh well-water, one qian bi until bleeding stops. Alternatively, add five he of wine, decoct to seven he, take empty stomach in two doses. Or take as powder, two qian with wine. For metrorrhagia, use one qian half each of Bai Shao, Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome), and Shu Ai Ye (Mugwort Leaf, prepared), decoct in water. For chronic leukorrhea (red and white discharge), use three liang of Bai Shao and half liang of Gan Jiang, chopped and stir-fried until yellow, powdered, taken with warm water, two qian bi empty stomach, twice daily.

[Discussion] Bai Shao tastes sour, bitter, and slightly cold, undoubtedly belonging to Yin. Yet it grows at the time of extreme Yin (sprouting in October) and lengthens at the meeting of rising Yang. Thus, it contains Yang within Yin. Its Qi is neutral, entering the Spleen. (Li Dongyuan's statement about using Bai Shao in the Middle Jiao refers to this generation of Spleen Yang.) In the human body, the Spleen, Kidney, and Liver reside in the Lower Jiao, receiving Earth Qi; similarly, the Stomach, Heart, and Lung reside in the Upper Jiao, distributing Heaven Qi. The nature acquired by Bai Shao aligns with Kidney Yin and Liver Yin containing Yang, returning to the Spleen and connecting to the Stomach. If the Spleen lacks Kidney and Liver Yin, the Stomach has no foundation, affecting the Heart and Lung, as stated in the classics: "When Extreme Yin is deficient, Heaven Qi is severed." Only when Yin generates Yang can the Stomach receive food; when Yang combines with Yin, the Spleen transforms nutrients. Receiving and transforming allows the essence of food and water to rise, combining with air in the Dan Zhong to enter the Lung, then distributed by Heart, Lung, and Stomach downwards. Thus, Spleen and Stomach are the Central Qi. Its ability to regulate Central Qi and calm the Lung is because Heaven Qi diseases (caused by six excesses and seven emotions) easily injure Yang. When Yin and Yang are excessive, Yin is consumed; if Yin is consumed, Yang has no support. Bai Shao, being Yin, astringes Spleen Yin, thereby astringing Stomach Yang. Therefore, for those with hyperactive Stomach Yang and non-descending Lung Yin, this herb astringes Yin and harmonizes Yang, reaching upwards to Lung dryness. This is what is meant by astringing rebellious Qi, treating belching, Lung urgency, distension, rebellious Qi, wheezing, and cough. As for deriving benefit from Kidney and Liver to reach the Spleen, yet saying it drains the Liver, why? The Liver is Shaoyang within Yin, characterized by Yin deficiency and Yang excess, so Liver pathogenic factors are abundant. Deriving Kidney and Liver Yin to reach the Spleen is to calm the Spleen, as stated: "To damage the Liver, soothe the center." When Spleen and Lung are calm, Central Qi is regulated (thus treating Spleen deficiency fullness and epigastric stuffiness). When Central Qi is regulated, Blood vessels harmonize, and Liver deficiency is sufficient. (The classic says: Injury to the Lung leads to Spleen Qi not guarding, Stomach Qi not quiet, and Meridian Qi not serving. Reversing this, if Spleen and Lung are calm, Central Qi is regulated, and Meridian Qi serves effectively.) In short, when Spleen Yin is sufficient, myriad pathogens cease. This herb uniquely governs astringing Spleen Yin, thereby eliminating accumulations, hernias, removing blood stasis, dispersing evil blood, driving away thief blood, smoothing blood vessels, and resolving carbuncles—treating organ congestion. These functions seem contrary to sour astringency but elucidate its efficacy, not implying it fails to enter the mechanism. It aims to reach un-reached Qi transformation, leaving room for Yin to guard Yang, and Yang to have restraint for Yin's use. What emerges from the earth extends yet yields; what meets the heavens yields yet extends. If Yang within Yin violently emerges from Yin, Yin within Yang easily separates from Yang. If Yin and Yang do not rely on each other, Qi transformation becomes diseased; gradually separating, Qi transformation becomes critical. Consider Jiegu's phrase "securing Cou Li"; one cannot fail to realize that when Yang is充盈 at the extreme surface, Yin cannot separate. Thus, what Ben Jing, Bie Lu, and Zhen Quan said are the extent of its efficacy, while Jiegu's statements on astringing Yin, draining Liver, astringing Stomach Qi, and calming Spleen/Lung refer to its substance and application. Some say Qi deficiency and cold types must avoid Shao Yao. Is this true? Answer: Yin nurtures Yang, and for obstructed Yang, ascending is preferred; since Yang is primary, this herb should be avoided. But if Yin cannot nurture Yang and Yang is hyperactive, the focus is astringing Yin, making this herb urgently needed. However, Qi deficiency often stems from consuming Yin-containing Yang (thus in Bi syndrome, Huang Qi is used with Bai Shao as assistant). Tonifying Yang and administering this herb as the master of Yang, who would say it is inappropriate?

Kou Zongshi said: Avoid in Qi deficiency and cold. Ancients said reduce Shao Yao to avoid Middle Cold; this cannot be ignored.

[Processing] Must be wine-fried in winter. For dysentery and abdominal pain, must be fried; except for tenesmus, do not fry. For postpartum use, must also be wine-fried. (Danxi believed it overcomes dampness by transforming with Mingmen True Yang Qi, thus also a dampness-overcoming agent.)

Chi Shao indications: Smooths blood vessels, removes blood bi, breaks firm accumulations, cold-heat, hernias, and masses, stops pain, regulates menstruation, removes damp-heat from intestines and stomach, benefits Bladder and large/small intestines, moves internal stagnant dampness. (Xizhou) Combined with Ju Pi, Huo Xiang, Mu Gua, and Gan Cao, treats sudden evil abdominal pain. Combined with Xiong Diao (Ligusticum Chuanxiong), Dang Gui, Sheng Di Huang, Hong Hua (Carthamus Flower), Bai Zhi, and Jing Jie, treats traumatic wind with fever and pain. Combined with Dang Gui, Di Huang, Niu Xi, Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome), Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit), Ze Lan (Lygodium Spore), Hong Hua, and Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterus Dung), treats postpartum lochia retention with abdominal pain; add Rou Gui in winter. Combined with Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower), Bai Zhi, Shan Jia Jia (Pangolin Scale), Zi Di Ding (Viola Herb), Xia Ku Cao (Prunella Spike), Sheng Gan Cao, and Qian Cao (Rubia Root), resolves all carbuncles and swellings. Combined with Dang Gui, Di Huang, Yan Hu Suo, Xiang Fu, and Qing Pi (Aurantii Fructus Pericarpium), treats menstrual obstruction; add Wu Ling Zhi and Pu Huang for abdominal pain, dispersing evil blood and driving away failed blood.

[General Discussion] Shao Gen (Peony Root) color red or white follows the flower's color. Both inherit Heaven and Earth Yin and Jia Wood Qi, both direct to the Spleen. But the red one is governed by Metal (Metal governs astringency, thus specifically enters Qi aspect to astringe). All have Liver as substance and Spleen as function. White derives from Wood interacting with Metal having sourness, utilizing Blood; Red derives from Blood aspect directing Qi function. Neither departs from Spleen. For diseases with Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity, administer Bai Shao to astringe Yin and harmonize Yang for tonification. For Yin excess and Yang obstruction, administer Chi Shao to ascend Yin and guide Yang for dispersion.

Miao said: Chi Shao breaks blood. For diseases belonging to blood deficiency, diarrhea, postpartum lochia already flowing, and carbuncles/ulcers already ulcerated, it is unsuitable.

[Processing] Scrape off skin and head with bamboo knife, chop finely, mix with honey water, steam from Si hour to Wei hour, sun-dry for use. (Both Shao processed similarly). Nowadays, people mostly use raw. Only for avoiding Middle Cold is it wine-fried; for women's blood formulas, it is vinegar-fried.