Bái Sháo (白芍) — White Peony Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Bái Sháo (白芍) — Paeonia lactiflora — is known in English as White Peony root. It belongs to the category of Blood tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Bái Sháo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Bái Sháo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 白芍 |
| Latin name | Paeonia lactiflora |
| English name | White Peony root |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, sour |
| Channels entered | Liver, Spleen |
| Category | Blood tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Nourishes Blood and preserves Yin
- Calms Liver Yang and alleviates pain
- Adjusts the Ying and Wei levels
- Softens the Liver and relieves spasm
- Astringes Yin to stop sweating
Indications
- Blood deficiency with pallor, dizziness and irregular or scanty menstruation
- Liver Yang rising with headache, dizziness and irritability
- Abdominal, flank and chest pain from Liver Qi constraint
- Spasm and cramping of the limbs, abdominal cramping and dysmenorrhoea
- Night sweats from Yin deficiency
- Restless legs and sinew tension from Blood deficiency failing to nourish the tendons
4. Key formulas containing Bái Sháo
Bái Sháo is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Paeonia lactiflora (White Peony) is one of the most extensively researched herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Principal bioactive constituents include paeoniflorin, albiflorin, paeonol and tannins. Research demonstrates that paeoniflorin has significant anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, analgesic and neuroprotective effects. Clinical studies confirm benefits in dysmenorrhoea, rheumatoid arthritis, PCOS (paeoniflorin reduces testosterone and improves insulin sensitivity) and hepatic conditions. Research on the formula Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang) demonstrates specific benefit for muscle cramping and PCOS-related testosterone excess. Paeoniflorin also modulates the HPA axis and reduces cortisol, supporting its use in stress-related conditions.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in Cold conditions and in patients with Yang deficiency and Cold patterns, as the sour, slightly cold nature can further suppress Yang. Contraindicated with Li Lu (Veratrum). Generally very well tolerated.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Bái Sháo as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including PCOS, Irregular menstrual cycle, Restless legs syndrome, Endometriosis. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
