Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae

"The Stomach receives, rots, and ripens ingested food and fluids"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Herb 2 of 11 in Herbs that Cool the Blood

Chi Shao (Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)

Channels:

LIV, SP

Properties:

Sour, Bitter, Slightly Cold

Latin:

Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae

Chinese:

赤芍

Tone Marks:

chì sháo

Translation:

Red Peony

Actions

Clears Heat and Cools the Blood
For heat in the Blood level causing fever, red-purple tongue, skin blotches, and bleeding. Also treats gynecological disorders from hot Blood (dysmenorrhea or menorrhagia).
Invigorates Blood, Removes, Stagnation and Swelling
For amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, acute inflammations, abdominal pain and masses. Also used for swelling and stagnation from internal or external injury, rashes, and abscess.
Clears Liver Fire
For ascending Liver Fire affecting the eyes, causing redness and swelling.

Contraindications and Cautions

Contraindicated in patients with blood deficiency, and for amenorrhea from cold from deficiency.

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Dosage

4.5-9 grams.
Part used: root.

Combinations:

Bai Shao (Radix Albus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Chi Shao (Radix Rubrus Paeoniae Lactiflorae)

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (Tonify the Yang to Restore Five Tenths Decoction)
Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis
Qing Wen Bai Du Yin (Clear Epidemics and Overcome Toxins Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity
Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction)
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Nutritive Level and Cool the Blood
Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (Sublime Formula for Sustaining Life)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis in the Mansion of Blood Decoction)
Formulas that Invigorate the Blood and Dispel Blood Stasis
Zai Zao San (Renewal Powder)
Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Interior Deficiency

This herb is incompatible with:

Li Lu (Radix Et Rhizoma Veratri)

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.