Bai Shao (Chao)

English name: Peony (White) Root

Latin name: Paeoniae Alba Radix (Dry-fried)

炒白芍

Sold in lbs (454g)

Eastern - Nourishes blood and builds yin, blood deficiency that causes pain, nourishes the liver, calms the liver yang and liver wind.

This Premium Grade Bai Shao is grown without chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers at a relatively small growing site in Anhui Province. 

Prepared and Untreated Bai Shao (White peony root)

The two most common forms of Bai Shao found in the clinic are untreated (Sheng) and dry-fried (Chao). Dry-frying is done by stir-frying the untreated agent over a medium flame until the herb turns a slight yellow colour.

The functions of the two herbs are similar, but because Chao Bai Shao is considered to be warmer and more moderate in nature, it is useful for patterns where liver qi invades the spleen-stomach taking advantage of a compromised central burner. This pattern benefits from the treated herb’s mild nature. The untreated agent, on the other hand is best for patterns of blood deficiency and ascent of liver qi when these patterns have no signs of a cold central burner.

Of course both forms of the herb are well suited for nourishing blood, constraining yin and soothing the liver; the difference lies in the more moderate nature of the stir-fried herb.