Chì Sháo (赤芍) — Red Peony root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Chì Sháo (赤芍) — Paeonia lactiflora / veitchii (red) — is known in English as Red Peony root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that cool Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Chì Sháo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs 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 | Chì Sháo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 赤芍 |
| Latin name | Paeonia lactiflora / veitchii (red) |
| English name | Red Peony root |
| Nature | slightly cold |
| Flavour | bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Spleen |
| Category | Herbs that cool Blood |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Cools Blood and clears Heat — used for Blood Heat patterns
- Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood stasis
- Clears Liver Fire and relieves pain
- Reduces swelling and inflammation
Indications
- Blood Heat patterns — purpura, nosebleed and skin eruptions from Heat in the Blood
- Blood stasis — dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and abdominal masses
- Liver Fire with red eyes, flank pain and swelling
- Inflammatory skin conditions from Blood Heat and stasis
- Endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic masses
4. Key formulas containing Chì Sháo
Chì Sháo appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Red Peony (Chi Shao) contains the same primary constituent as White Peony (Bai Shao) — paeoniflorin — but in different proportions and with different processing. Chi Shao is used unprepared (raw) and has a stronger Blood-moving and Heat-clearing action, while Bai Shao is prepared and primarily nourishes Blood and softens the Liver. Research confirms anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, hepatoprotective and vasodilatory effects. Paeoniflorin has documented anti-tumour and immunomodulatory activity. Chi Shao is regularly combined with Dan Shen for cardiovascular Blood stasis conditions.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Avoid during pregnancy due to Blood-moving properties. Avoid in haemorrhagic conditions. Contraindicated with Li Lu (Veratrum). Do not confuse with Bai Shao (White Peony) — they are from the same species but have different properties and therapeutic roles.
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 with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Chì Sháo as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Endometriosis, Fibroids, Acne, High blood pressure. 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 throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
