Chi Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) is from the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall, or several other species of the same genus, family Ranunculaceae. The medicinal material is dug and collected in spring and autum. It is dried in the sun and then cut into pieces. It can be used in its crude form or after stir-baking.
Category: Heat Clearing / Blood Regulating.
Common Name: Red Peony Root.
Channels Entered: Liver.
Properties and Functions: Chi Shao Yao is bitter in flavour and slightly cold in nature. Its main actions are to clear Heat and cool the Blood, and to invigorate the Blood to dispel Blood stasis.
Indications: Clinically, this herb is used for the following conditions:
- Seasonal febrile disease with fever that worsens at night, purple/crimson tongue and Blood-Heat syndrome with haematemesis or epistaxis.
- Blood stasis syndrome manifesting as amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, abdominal masses, swelling and pain.
- Liver-Heat with red, swollen and painful eyes.
Dosage: 6 – 12g
Cautions and Contra-Indications: Avoid use with patients who have Blood-Cold syndrome or Cold from deficiency with amenorrhoea. It is incompatible with Lilu.