The Blood-Activating and Pain-Relieving Herb - Red Peony Root

Origin of Chi Shao (Red Peony Root)

During the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen described in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" (Volume 14, Grass section): "White peony nourishes the spleen and can drain wood from the earth; Chi Shao disperses pathogenic factors and can eliminate blood stasis." Since then, Chi Shao and Bai Shao have been used separately. Bai Shao has a slightly cold, bitter, and sour taste, and it has the function of consolidating yin and nourishing blood. Chi Shao, on the other hand, has a bitter and cold nature and is used to cool the blood and disperse stasis. The two have distinct processing methods and therapeutic effects. Another book, "Essentials of Materia Medica," distinguishes between Chi Shao and Bai Shao based on the flower color, using only single-petaled varieties for medicinal purposes.

Source and Classification

[Botanical Name]: Radix Paeoniae Rubra

[English Name]: Chi Shao

[Other Names]: Shan Shao Yao, Cao Shao Yao, Mu Shao Yao, Chi Shao Yao, Hong Shao Yao

Distribution and Morphology

[Morphology]: This herb is cylindrical, slightly curved, with a length of 5 to 40 cm and a diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm. Its surface is brownish-brown, rough, with longitudinal grooves and wrinkles, as well as rootlet scars and transversely raised pores. Some have easily peeling outer skin. The texture is hard and brittle, easily breaking, and the fracture surface is white or pink. The cortex is narrow, and the radial texture of the wood is distinct, with some having cracks. It has a faint fragrance and a slightly bitter and astringent taste.

Functions and Indications

Chi Shao can clear heat, cool the blood, disperse stasis, and relieve pain. It is used for conditions such as eruptive skin diseases caused by heat-toxin, vomiting blood, nosebleeds, red and swollen eyes with pain, liver depression and rib pain, painful menstruation or amenorrhea, abdominal pain due to accumulations, injuries from falls or blows, and swollen abscesses.

[Source]: Illustrated Handbook of Commonly Used Medicinal Plants in Taiwan, Volume III.