Tonify blood
Bai Shao
白芍
White peony root
Paeonia lactiflora
Softens the liver, nourishes blood, and eases cramping.
Not for self-dosing. This page is not a formula, not a strength, and not a substitute for a licensed herbalist or physician.
Category
Cool · Bitter, Sour
Meridians entered
Traditional uses
The peony students pair with Chai Hu so liver qi is not moved harshly. Also used for abdominal cramps and for cycle pain in a blood-deficient picture. Red peony (Chi Shao) moves and cools more; it is not the same.
Common pairings
- Chai Hu 柴胡
Move and soften. The liver-qi pair.
- Gan Cao 甘草
Sour and sweet for cramps, the Shao Yao Gan Cao lesson.
Cautions
Not for self-dosing. Care in pregnancy and with diarrhea from deficiency cold. Do not confuse with peony supplements sold for hormones.
Points with a similar aim
Three Yin Intersection
Inner-leg crossing of three yin channels. Not a pregnancy self-care point.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy
Sea of Blood
Inner thigh point in the “blood” teaching set.
Diaphragm Shu
Mid-back point called the influential point of blood.
Use caution
Liver Shu
Liver transport point on the mid-back.
Use caution
Shining Sea
Just below the inner ankle, opening the Yin Qiao.
Use caution
Yang Mound Spring
Outer leg below the knee, the sinew influential point.
Use caution
Foot Governor of Tears
Top of the foot, opening point of the Dai vessel.
Moving Between
Web between the first and second toes, the fire point of Liver.