White peony root (Bai Shao)

Indications for white peony root in Chinese medicine

– Improves blood circulation
– Relaxes muscles (muscle relaxant effect)
– Menstrual dysfunction
– Vaginal discharge
– Relieves menstrual pain (cramps and spasms)

Properties according to Chinese medicine

• Nourishes the blood and regulates menstruation
• Calms and harmonizes the liver
• Relieves pain and spasm
• Preserves Yin

*The liver stores blood, so when menstruation occurs, some of its blood has to go. If it doesn’t store enough, pain/spasms appear. This mechanism also gives rise to breast pain and the particular emotional state of menstruation.

Instructions for use and dosage

Decoction :
Rinse the herbs in cold water and place 6g of white peony root in a glass, stainless steel or terracotta container. Pour in 300ml spring or filtered water. Heat over low heat for 20 minutes. Drink the liquid.

Combination

White peony root can be combined with licorice (Gan Cao) to *regulate the relationship between liver and spleen and nourish tendons (for cramps and spasms).

*The relationship between the liver and spleen is very important, and even more so in modern life. A large proportion of patients who consult a practitioner of Chinese medicine have liver/spleen disharmony.
The main symptoms of liver/spleen disharmony are: alternating diarrhea (or loose stools) and constipation (often in the shape of a “pebble”), abdominal distension and pain, fatigue.

Contraindication

White peony root is contraindicated for people with a stomach attacked by cold, causing diarrhea and cold pain in the abdomen or a sensation of cold in the stomach.