入药宜白花单瓣之根。气味全浓。根之赤白。亦随花之赤白。近用赤芍。多于白芍中
寻取。白味有酸。赤味有苦。此其分辨处。今市肆一种赤芍。不知为何物草根。疡科儿医多
用之。为害殊甚。别赤白法。白根固白。赤根亦白。每根切取一片。各以法记。火酒润之。
覆盖过宿。白根转白。赤根转赤矣。
根味酸苦平。气微寒。可升可降。阴也。为手足太阴行经药。入肝脾血分。白补而赤泻。
白收而赤散。大都白者制肝补脾。陡健脾经。赤者调胃行肝。大利肝经。（成无己）芍药时
值闭藏。便行甲坼。一脉生阳。透机极早。世但称其酸敛降火。而不知主治邪气入腹闭拒成
痛。力能从中开发。逐邪内出。至涤除血痹。入破坚积疝瘕。更利小便。何一非收而行之之
效哉。（之颐）
〔论〕白芍味酸。本为肝剂。而于脾最切者。以脾之主在肝也。既为脾之主。则即为肺
之用。子母相生。肝又以肺为主也。但白者由肝而效肺之用。主气主收。赤者由肝而效心之
用。主血主散。总皆不离乎脾也。
白芍主治 酸寒收阴。酸苦泄肝。安脾肺。收胃气。（利胃气不通）理中气。敛逆气。
和血脉。固腠理。治脾虚中满。心下痞。胁下痛。善噫。肺急胀逆喘咳。治风退热除烦。止
下痢腹痛后重。（凡泄病久而亡阴。投他寒剂则益剧。惟以白芍收阴气而除虚热。则自奏效。）
及血
九地之下。后至厥阴经。（东垣）能去土中之木。引他药入脾阴而助生化之气。得甘草则甲
己相合。而木从土化。所谓去土中之木也。泻脾补肝。故能陡健脾经。收脾经之阴气。阴气
既收则火退。故又泻脾火。（白芍何以专泻脾火。盖收阴即所以召阳。阳归阴中。而邪火自
散。脾
补气。同当归补血。同甘草止腹痛。（凡痛而急缩。甚或两足不能伸。乃木侮土也。虚痛本
属脾。脾虚则肝乘之。白芍泻肝邪。更专补中焦脾气。是以取效。）同黄连止泻痢。同防风
发痘疹。同姜枣温经散湿。（濒湖）佐柴胡丹皮山栀。则泻火而除热燥。佐生姜肉桂干姜。
则温经而散寒湿。恶寒腹痛。则加桂。恶热腹痛。则加芩。酒炒为君。佐以炙甘草。为健脾
最胜之剂。能治血虚腹痛。同黄连滑石升麻人参甘草莲肉扁豆红曲干葛。治滞下如神。同四
君肉蔻橘皮车前子。治脾虚泄泻。酒炒白芍二两。炙甘草二钱。莲子去心五十粒。水煎。治
痘疮有热作泻。热甚。加酒炒黄连一钱。君白芷炙甘草。治痘疮血虚发痒。同荆芥防风生地
黄炙草。治肠风下血。同当归地黄牛膝炒黑干姜续断麦冬五味。治产后血虚发热。同黄
防风。治表虚伤风自汗。有以芍甘二味治消渴九年久病。服七日顿愈者。此中消也。芍甘补
脾阴。和胃阳。洵能治之。衄血咯血。白芍一两。犀角末二钱。半。为末。新汲水服一钱匕。
血止为限
合。入酒五合。再煎七合。空心。分两服亦可。为末。酒服二钱。经水不止。白芍香附熟艾
各一钱半。水煎服之。赤白带下久不瘥。白芍三两。干姜半两。锉熬令黄。捣末。空心水饮
服二钱匕。日再服。
〔论〕白芍酸苦微寒。固当属阴。第在阴极之时而生。（芽生十月）阳升之会而长。是
阴中有
土。故又气平而入脾也。（东垣言中焦用白芍则脾中生阳即此意）人身脾与肾肝。同居于下。
以奉地气。犹胃与心肺。同居于上。以布天气。白芍所禀。正合于肾之阴。肝之阴中阳。以
归于脾。而络于胃。夫脾不得肾肝之阴气。则胃无所本。以致于心肺。经所谓至阴虚天气绝
是也。惟阴致之阳。胃故能纳。阳合于阴。脾故能化。能纳能化。乃得致水谷精微之气。上
合膻中空气以注于肺。而后心肺胃布其天气以下济焉。所以脾胃为中气也。其能理中气。又
云安肺者。以天气为病。（六淫七情皆有）阳易伤。阴阳盛。则阴即为之耗。阴耗则阳亦无
所依。白芍本阴气而收脾之阴。即能收胃之阳。故胃阳亢而肺阴不降者。此味收阴和阳。上
接乎肺
燥。即所云敛逆气。并治善噫及肺急胀逆喘咳。皆不外是。）至若本肾肝之用以致于脾。而
又曰泄肝。于义何居。盖肝为阴中之少阳。阴虚而阳实。故肝邪盛。本肾肝之阴以致于脾者。
还以
以安脾。所谓损其肝者。缓其中。）脾肺俱安。则中气理。（所以疗皮虚中满及心下痞）中气
理则血脉和。而肝虚可足矣。（经曰。伤肺者脾气不守。胃气不靖。经气不为使。即此反而
绎之。则脾肺安。中气理。而经气固为使矣。）总之。脾阴足而万邪息。此味独主收脾阴气。
遂
积疝瘕）除（血脾）散（恶血）逐（贼血）通（顺血脉）消（痈肿）之治。（治脏腑壅气）
其义似与酸收相
机以阐其功。而非谓其入机。盖欲达未达之气化。阴有余地而为阳守。而阳还有节制以为阴
用。是其出于地中者。即伸而得屈。故其际于天上者。由屈而得伸。使阴中之阳暴出于阴
。则阳中之阴易离于阳。阴阳不相依而气化病。渐至相离而气化危矣。试参洁古固腠理一语。
不可悟阳之充于极表者。阴亦不得相离乎。然则本经别录甄权所云。乃其功之所及。而洁古
所云收阴气泻肝。收胃气安脾肺。正其体之所存。兼以用之所行也。抑又谓气虚寒者。禁用
芍。是说信否。曰。阴能育乎阳。而阳郁者以升。阳为主。此味在所当忌。若阴不能育乎阳
而阳亢者。则以收阴为主。此味正所急需。但气虚者多由耗散其阴中之阳。（是以着痹用黄
多以白芍佐之）补阳而投此。以为阳之主。谁曰不宜。
寇氏云。气虚寒者避之。古人言减芍药以避中寒。诚不可忽。
〔修治〕冬月必以酒炒。下痢腹痛必炒用。惟后重者不炒。产后欲用。亦须以酒炒之。
（丹
之湿。而化以命门真阳之气也。是亦为胜湿之剂。
赤芍主治 通顺血脉。除血痹。破坚积寒热疝瘕。止痛。通月经。去肠胃湿热。利膀胱
大小
行内停之湿。（希周）同橘皮藿香木瓜甘草。治中恶腹痛。同芎归生地红花白芷荆芥。治破
伤风发热疼痛。同归地牛膝延胡山楂泽兰红花五灵脂。治初产恶露不下腹痛。冬月加肉桂。
同银花白芷穿山甲紫地丁夏枯草生甘草茜草。消一切痈肿。同归地延胡香附青皮。治经阻。
腹痛加五灵脂蒲黄。能散恶血。逐败血。
〔总论〕芍根赤白。随花之色。同禀天地之阴。同兼甲木之气。同致之于脾。但其色赤
者之
统于金也）金主收敛。故专入气分以收之。要皆肝以为体。脾以为用。白者由木媾金而有酸。
因
血之用。赤者由血分而致气之用。是皆不外脾也。凡病阴虚而阳亢者。则投白芍。取其收阴
和阳以补之。阴实而阳郁者。则投赤芍。取其升阴导阳以散之尔。
缪氏云。赤芍能破血。凡病属血虚。及泄泻。产后恶露已行。痈疽已溃。并不宜服。
〔修治〕各以竹刀刮去皮并头。锉细。蜜水拌蒸。从巳至未。晒干用。（二芍同）今人
多生用。惟避中寒者以酒炒。入女人血药以醋炒。
入药适宜选用白花单瓣芍药的根。其气味最为浓厚。根部颜色的赤白，也随着花朵颜色的赤白而变化。近来使用的赤芍，多于白芍中挑选出来。白芍味带酸，赤芍味带苦，这是区分它们的关键所在。如今市场上有一种赤芍，不知是何种植物草根，外科和儿科医生多用它，危害极大。辨别赤白的方法：白芍的根虽然外表是白的，但切开一片后，用酒润湿，覆盖过夜，白芍根会变得更白，而赤芍根则会变红。
芍药根味酸、苦，性平，气微寒，作用趋势既可上升也可下降，属性为阴。它是手足太阴经的引经药，进入肝、脾的血分。白芍具有补益作用而赤芍具有泻泄作用；白芍具有收敛作用而赤芍具有发散作用。大体而言，白芍能制约肝气、补益脾气，迅速健脾经；赤芍能调理胃气、运行肝气，大利肝经。（成无己）芍药在闭藏之时生长，却能萌发新芽，一脉阳气初生，透发生机极早。世人只称它能酸敛降火，却不知道它主治邪气侵入腹部导致闭塞拒按而成的疼痛，其力量能从内部开发，驱逐邪气从内排出。至于涤除血痹，进入破除坚积、疝气和瘕块，更通利小便，哪一样不是“收而行之”的功效呢？（张元素）
【论述】白芍味酸，本是治疗肝脏的药物，但对脾胃最密切相关的，是因为脾的功能受肝的主宰。既然肝主宰脾，那么也就成为肺的作用体现。母子相生，肝又以肺为主宰。但是白芍是由肝而发挥肺的作用，主气、主收敛；赤芍是由肝而发挥心的作用，主血、主发散。总之都不离开脾脏。
白芍的主治功效：酸寒收敛阴气，酸苦泄肝气，安养脾肺，收敛胃气（针对胃气不通的情况）。调理中气，收敛逆气，调和血脉，固密腠理。治疗脾虚导致的腹中胀满，心下痞塞，胁下疼痛，容易嗳气。治疗肺气急迫、胀满、气逆、喘咳。治疗风邪引起的发热，消除烦躁。止住痢疾腹痛和后重感。（凡是泄泻病久导致亡阴，投用其他寒凉药物则病情加重，只有用白芍收敛阴气以清除虚热，才能见效。）以及涉及血液方面的病症。
深入九地之下，最终到达厥阴经。（李东垣）能去除土壤中的木气（疏肝），引导其他药物进入脾阴以助生化之气。得到甘草配合，则甲（肝木）己（脾土）相合，木气从土气转化，这就是所谓的“去土中之木”。泻脾实、补肝虚，所以能迅速健脾经，收敛脾经的阴气。阴气既已收敛，则火气退去，所以又能泻脾火。（为什么白芍专门泻脾火？因为收敛阴气就是召唤阳气回归，阳气归入阴中，邪火自然消散。）补脾气，同当归配合补血，同甘草配合止腹痛。（凡是疼痛且拘急收缩，甚至两脚不能伸展，这是木气侮犯土气。虚痛本属于脾，脾虚则肝气乘之，白芍泻肝邪，更专门补益中焦脾气，因此取效。）同黄连配合止泻痢，同防风配合促使痘疹发出，同生姜、大枣配合温经散湿。（李时珍）佐使柴胡、丹皮、山栀，则泻火除热燥；佐使生姜、肉桂、干姜，则温经散寒湿。若恶寒腹痛，则加桂枝；若恶热腹痛，则加黄芩。酒炒作为君药，佐以炙甘草，是健脾最优良的方剂，能治疗血虚腹痛。同黄连、滑石、升麻、人参、甘草、莲肉、扁豆、红曲、干葛配合，治疗痢疾如神。同四君子汤、肉蔻、橘皮、车前子配合，治疗脾虚泄泻。酒炒白芍二两，炙甘草二钱，莲子去心五十粒，水煎服，治疗痘疮有热作泻。热甚，加酒炒黄连一钱。以白芷、炙甘草为君药，治疗痘疮血虚发痒。同荆芥、防风、生地黄、炙甘草配合，治疗肠风下血。同当归、地黄、牛膝（炒黑）、干姜、续断、麦冬、五味子配合，治疗产后血虚发热。同黄芪、防风配合，治疗表虚伤风自汗。有人用芍药、甘草两味药治疗消渴症九年久病，服用七日顿愈，这是中消证。芍药、甘草补脾阴，和胃阳，确实能治疗此病。对于衄血、咯血，用白芍一两，犀角末二钱半，研为细末，用新汲水送服一钱匕，血止为限。或者加入酒五合，再煎至七合，空腹分两次服用也可以。研为末，酒服二钱。月经不止，用白芍、香附、熟艾各一钱半，水煎服。赤白带下日久不愈，用白芍三两，干姜半两，切碎熬至黄色，捣为末，空腹温水送服二钱匕，每日两次。
【论述】白芍味酸、苦，性微寒，固然属于阴，但在阴极之时生长（十月发芽），在阳气升发之际长大，是阴中有阳。土气平和，所以又气平而入脾经。（李东垣说中焦用白芍，就是指脾中生阳的这个意思）人身脾与肾、肝，同居于下焦，以奉接地气；犹如胃与心、肺，同居于上焦，以布散天气。白芍所禀赋的性质，正合乎肾之阴、肝之阴中阳，从而归于脾，并络属胃。如果脾得不到肾、肝的阴气，则胃就没有根本，以致影响到心肺，这就是经文所说的“至阴虚，天气绝”。只有阴能致阳，胃才能纳食；阳合于阴，脾才能运化。能纳能化，才能得到水谷精微之气，上合膻中空气以注入肺，然后心肺胃布散天气以下济周身。所以脾胃被称为中气。它能调理中气，又说能安肺，是因为天气致病（六淫七情皆有），阳气易受伤，阴阳偏盛，则阴即被消耗。阴耗损则阳也无依傍。白芍本是阴气，收敛脾之阴，就能收敛胃之阳。所以胃阳亢盛而肺阴不降者，此药通过收敛阴气、调和阳气，上接乎肺燥，这就是所说的收敛逆气，并治疗容易嗳气及肺气急迫、胀满、气逆、喘咳，道理都不外于此。至于本于肾肝之用以达于脾，而又说能泄肝，这是什么道理呢？盖肝为阴中之少阳，阴虚而阳实，所以肝邪盛。本于肾肝之阴以达于脾，是为了安脾，所谓“损其肝者，缓其中”。脾肺都安宁，则中气理顺。（所以治疗脾虚中满及心下痞）。中气理顺则血脉调和，肝虚也可补足。（经文说：伤肺者，脾气不守，胃气不靖，经气不为使。反过来推演，则脾肺安，中气理，而经气固为使矣。）总之，脾阴充足则万邪平息。此药独自主管收敛脾阴气，遂有消除积滞、疝瘕，除去血瘀，消散恶血，驱逐贼血，通畅血脉，消除痈肿等治疗脏腑壅气的功效。（这些功效看似与酸收相反，其实是阐发其功用，并非谓其不入机枢。盖欲达到未达的气化，阴有余地而为阳守护，而阳还有节制以为阴所用。是其出于地中者，即伸而得屈，故其际于天上者，由屈而得伸。假如阴中之阳暴出于阴，则阳中之阴易离于阳，阴阳不相依而气化病，渐至相离而气化危矣。试参看洁古先生“固腠理”一句话，不可不悟知阳气充于极表者，阴也不得不相离吗？然而《本经》、《别录》、《甄权》所言，乃是其功之所及，而洁古所言收阴气、泻肝、收胃气、安脾肺，正是其体之所存，兼以用之所行也。又有人说气虚寒者禁用芍药，这种说法可信吗？回答说：阴能育阳，而阳郁者宜升，阳为主，此味在所当忌。若阴不能育阳而阳亢者，则以收阴为主，此味正是急需。只是气虚者多由耗散其阴中之阳（是以着痹用黄芪多以白芍佐之），补阳而投以此药，作为阳之主，谁说不可呢？）
【炮制】冬季必须用酒炒。下痢腹痛必须炒用，惟独后重者不炒。产后欲用，也必须用酒炒。（丹溪认为能胜湿，而化以命门真阳之气也。是亦为胜湿之剂。）
赤芍的主治功效：通顺血脉，除血痹，破除坚积、寒热、疝瘕，止痛，通月经，去肠胃湿热，利膀胱大小便，行内停之湿。（希周）同橘皮、藿香、木瓜、甘草配合，治疗中恶腹痛。同川芎、当归、生地、红花、白芷、荆芥配合，治疗破伤风发热疼痛。同当归、地黄、牛膝、延胡索、山楂、泽兰、红花、五灵脂配合，治疗初产恶露不下腹痛，冬季加肉桂。同金银花、白芷、穿山甲、紫地丁、夏枯草、生甘草、茜草配合，消除一切痈肿。同当归、地黄、延胡索、香附、青皮配合，治疗经阻，腹痛加五灵脂、蒲黄，能散恶血，逐败血。
【总论】芍药根色赤白，随花朵颜色变化，同禀赋天地之阴，同兼甲木之气，同致之于脾。但其色赤者统于金（金主收敛，故专入气分以收之）。要皆以肝为体，以脾为用。白者由木媾金而有酸味，因血之用；赤者由血分而致气之用。这都不外乎脾。凡病阴虚而阳亢者，则投白芍，取其收阴和阳以补之；阴实而阳郁者，则投赤芍，取其升阴导阳以散之罢了。
缪氏说：赤芍能破血，凡病属血虚，及泄泻，产后恶露已行，痈疽已溃，并不宜服用。
【炮制】各自用竹刀刮去皮和头，锉细，蜜水拌蒸，从巳时至未时，晒干使用。（两种芍药炮制相同）。今人多生用，惟避中寒者用酒炒，入女人血药用醋炒。
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.