Bai Shao (Shao Yao) - Small Pieces

English name: Peony (White) Root

Latin name: Paeoniae Alba Radix

白芍 （小碎）

Sold in lbs (454g)

Note: Additional testing is done to every lot of all organic herbs. This is the smaller part of the roots which are aesthetically less pleasing, and therefore are considered a more affordable option. 

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.