White Peony Root

The root of Paeonia lactiflora, the herbaceous peony, to be carefully distinguished from the tree peony (Mu Dan Pi).

The root is harvested in autumn from 4-year-old specimens, scalded to loosen the bark, then dried and cut into rounds of an ivory white with pink glints.

Its light bitter-sour savour and its very subtle scent conceal the weight the classical texts give it.

Distinct from the red peony (Chi Shao), which comes from the same plant but is not peeled: the tradition places Bai Shao in the Bu Xue register of the Blood, and Chi Shao in the Huo Xue register.

The reference herb for enriching the Blood and for the Yin register of Wood (which the tradition ties to the harmony of the Blood’s rhythms, to the frame (Jin Gu) and to the vital impulse).

Traditionally used for constitutions of deficient Blood of Wood, with tension in the frame (Jin Gu), disturbed rhythms of the Blood, or irritability from a poorly rooted Yang of Wood.

• Decoction: 6 to 15 g, simmer for 30 minutes
• Si Wu Tang: the queen blend of the Blood (with Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, Chuan Xiong)
• Xiao Yao San: a blend for freeing blocked Wood Qi, attached to the Blood
• Chi Shao distinction: Bai Shao enriches and gathers in, Chi Shao moves and clears, not to be confused

To be avoided in cases of deficient Yang with deep cold. Classical incompatibility with Li Lu (Veratrum).

Widely used in blends for women’s constitutions.