chi shao

赤芍·Radix Paeoniae Rubra

Red Peony Root

About chi shao

Chi Shao (赤芍) is the root of the red peony, a plant of the buttercup family, recorded as Radix Paeoniae Rubra. It is sour and bitter in flavour, slightly cold, and enters the Liver and Spleen channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that invigorate the Blood.

Names

Pinyinchi shao
Chinese赤芍
Latin NameRadix Paeoniae Rubra
English NameRed Peony Root
Japanesesekishaku
Koreanjeokjak

Classification

Channels
Spleen, Liver
Flavour
Bitter, Sour
Temperature
Slightly Cold
Part used
Root
Family
Ranunculaceae
Species
Paeonia Lactiflora
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Invigorates Blood, dispels stasis and relieves pain

  • Blood stasis with painful or absent periods, abdominal pain, fixed abdominal masses or varicose veins
  • Bruising, pain and swelling after injury, internal or external
  • Acute inflammation, rashes and abscesses with stagnation

Clears Heat and cools the Blood

  • Heat at the Blood level with fever, a purple or red-purple tongue, skin macules and bleeding
  • Gynaecological disorders from Blood Heat, such as painful or heavy periods

Clears Liver Fire and relieves eye pain

  • Rising Liver Fire with red, swollen and painful eyes

Reduces swelling from sores and abscesses

  • Abscesses and boils in their early stage

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 4.5-15g; Tincture: 2-4ml4.5-15 g2-4 ml

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions