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Bai Shao白芍

Paeoniae Radix Alba · White Peony Root

Herbs that Tonify the Blood 补血药《神农本草经》

Overview

The blood-nourishing, Liver-softening counterpart to Dang Gui: where Dang Gui moves, Bai Shao gathers — nourishing the blood, preserving yin and easing painful spasm. Bitter, sour and slightly cold, it enters the Liver and Spleen channels.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, sour · Slightly cold

Channels

Liver · Spleen

Typical Dosage

5–15 g in decoction
白芍Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Nourishes the blood, regulates mensesBlood-deficiency menstrual irregularity and dysmenorrhea; the paired backbone with Dang Gui across the gynecological formulas.
  • Preserves yin, subdues rising yangYin-deficient sweating and Liver-yang headache and dizziness.
  • Softens the Liver, relieves spasmodic painHypochondriac and abdominal cramping pain, spasm of the limbs — classically with Gan Cao.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Bai Shao

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Menstrual irregularity, dysmenorrhea of blood deficiency
    - Spontaneous or night sweating with yin deficiency
    - Cramping abdominal, flank or limb pain
    - Liver-yang headache and dizziness

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

DysmenorrheaMuscle crampsNight sweatsTension headache

Contraindications

Cautions

Cold and sour-astringent: not for cold-deficiency diarrhea from yang deficiency. Classical incompatibility: not combined with Li Lu 藜芦.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.