Source White Peony Root is the dried root of Paeonia Lactiflora Pall. (Fam. Ranunculaeae).
Producing Areas Zhejiang, Anhui, Sichuan, etc.
Properties Bitter, Sour, Slightly Cold
Channels Liver, Spleen
Action
- Nourishes blood and preserves yin
For liver blood deficiency with symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, pale and dull complexion, and pale and brittle nails. - Nourishes blood and regulates the menses
For chronic liver blood deficiency causing deficiency in the Ren and Chong channels with symptoms such as dysmenorrhoea, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, vaginal discharge, postpartum disorders, gestational disorders, and spermatorrhoea. - Nourishes yin, preserves the level of yin and adjusts wei
For night sweating where the yang moves to the inside of the body during the night, forcing out body fluids. - Calms liver yang and subdues liver wind
For liver yang rising caused by liver yin and blood deficiency with symptoms such as ringing in the ears, dizziness, vertigo, red eyes, flushed face, irritability, anger, headaches, and poor balance. In severe cases, there may be delirium, convulsions, or loss of consciousness. - Softens and comforts the liver and alleviates pain
For pain, cramps, or spasms in the sinews, tendons, and muscles. Also used to relieve pain in the intercostal, hypochondriac, and abdominal areas.
Usage and Dosage
It is crudely used for arresting dizziness, calming the liver and astringing yin.
The product stir-baked or with wine is used in the case with blood deficiency and pain. The product stir-baked till it looks like charcoal is used in the case of diarrhoea.
Notes
It is incompatible with Lilu (Rhizoma et Radix Veratri).
The shape of Baishao is like an even cylinder, straight or slightly curved, 5 – 20cm long, 1 – 2.5cm in diameter. The surface of Hao Baishao is powdery white or white and smooth. Hang Baishao has brown or pale brown and rougher surface with apparent longitudinal wrinkles and marks of paring. Its broken surface looks like keratin, is grey white or slightly brown with radial texture on the wooden part. It is light in nature. The flavour is sour and slightly bitter.
Storage
Keep in a cool and dry place. Protect it from moths. The colour changes easily after prolonged storage.
Description of Quality Herb
Good Baishao is thick in size, solid and keratin-like, without white centre and fractures.
Stewed Pork with White Peony and Ganoderma
Effects
This dish is highly beneficial to sufferers of trigeminal neuralgia. It regulates heatiness in the liver, reduces pain and has a sedative effect.
Ingredients
Ganoderma fungus 20g, white peony root 10g, lean pork 300g, ginger 10g, leeks 15g, salt 5g.
Preparation
1.Rinse the ganoderma fungus and white peony root until transparent, and slice. Cut the pork into 4cm squares.
2.Place all the ingredients in a stewpot with approximately 600ml of water.
3.Bring to a rolling boil, then stew over a low fire for 50 minutes.
White Peony and Walnut Congee
Effects
This dish is beneficial to sufferers of late-stage periarthritis who are experiencing symptoms of contusion and sluggish circulation. It nourishes the blood, alleviates swelling and reduces pain.
Ingredients
White peony root 20g, walnut kernels 15g, japonica rice 60g.
Preparation
1.Cook the white peony root in water to extract its essence (about 500ml).
2.Crush the walnut kernels with water and strain the dregs out.
3.Use the two herbal essences obtained to cook a thin congee with the japonica rice.