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Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that invigorates blood circulation and eliminates pathogenic factors, greatly benefiting human health. However, many people do not have a comprehensive understanding of Bai Shao’s specific effects and medicinal value. Today, I will provide a detailed introduction to give everyone a more thorough understanding and a new perspective on Bai Shao.
The Efficacy and Functions of Bai Shao
1. Pain Relief
Bai Shao is a medicinal herb with excellent analgesic properties. It nourishes the blood and softens the liver, enhancing the central nervous system’s function, which reduces the body’s sensitivity to pain. When individuals experience symptoms such as chest and rib distension, joint pain, or abdominal cold pain, taking an appropriate amount of Bai Shao can quickly alleviate these pain symptoms.
2. Liver Soothing and Yang Suppression
Bai Shao is an herb that enters the liver meridian. It enhances liver function and prevents excessive liver fire, showing significant therapeutic effects for headaches and dizziness caused by excessive liver Yang. During treatment, Bai Shao should be combined with Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), and Bai Ji Li (Tribulus Terrestris) to brew a decoction, which yields excellent results for patients.
3. Beauty and Blood Nourishment
Bai Shao also possesses strong beauty-enhancing effects. It nourishes and replenishes blood, improving hematopoietic function, which can quickly alleviate symptoms of dull complexion and lackluster skin. Additionally, when crushed and made into a facial mask, it can be applied externally to the skin to reduce surface blemishes, achieving a noticeable whitening effect.
The Medicinal Value of Bai Shao
1. Treatment of Menstrual Irregularities
Bai Shao is commonly used in clinical practice to treat women’s menstrual irregularities. During treatment, it should be combined with Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) to brew a decoction. This combination can help restore normal menstrual cycles and significantly reduce menstrual cramps.
2. Treatment of Chest and Rib Distension Pain
Bai Shao has a notable analgesic effect and can invigorate blood circulation and regulate Qi. When individuals experience chest distension pain, Bai Shao can be used directly for treatment. It can be combined with Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange) to enhance its analgesic effects.
Bai Shao (《Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing》)
Bai Shao is the root of the peony plant from the Ranunculaceae family. It is bitter, sour, and slightly cold. It has the functions of nourishing blood, astringing Yin, softening the liver, and relieving pain. The water extract of Bai Shao has shown inhibitory effects on JTC26 cervical cancer cells in vitro; the water decoction of Bai Shao has inhibitory activity against mouse ascitic tumor cells. Additionally, it has sedative, analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antispasmodic, platelet aggregation inhibition, anti-ulcer, and antibacterial effects.
Dosage and Administration: Oral administration: decoction, 10-15g, large dose 15-30g.
Anti-Cancer Efficacy: Commonly used clinically for liver cancer, malignant lymphoma, cervical cancer, and penile cancer, particularly in cases of Yin blood deficiency and liver Qi stagnation.
1. Liver Cancer
Bai Shao and Ban Zhi Lian (15g each), Fu Ling (Poria), Mu Dan Pi (Peony Root), and Shi Da Gong Lao Ye (9g each), Xuan Shen (6g), Long Kui (30g). Decoction for oral administration. (《Anti-Cancer Plant Medicines and Their Recipes》)
2. Malignant Lymphoma
Bai Shao, Dan Shen (Salvia), Bie Jia (Tortoise Shell), and Mu Li (Oyster Shell) (15g each), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Zhi Ke, Chai Hu, Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling, Hong Hua (Carthamus), Wu Ling Zhi (Flying Squirrel Feces), and Ji Nei Jin (Chicken Gizzard Lining) (9g each), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Sha Ren (Amomum), and Gan Cao (Licorice) (6g each). Decoction for oral administration. (《Anti-Cancer Plant Medicines and Their Recipes》)
3. Cervical Cancer
① Bai Shao (9g), Chai Hu (2.4g), Kun Bu (Kelp) (4.5g), Hai Zao (Seaweed) (4.5g), Xiang Fu (Cyperus) (4.5g), Bai Zhu (4.5g), Fu Ling (4.5g), Dang Gui (6g), and 2 centipedes, 3 scorpions. Decoction for oral administration, 2-3 doses daily. (《Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicine Recipes》)② Bai Shao and Xiang Fu (9g each), Chai Hu (2.4g), Kun Bu, Hai Zao, and scorpions (3g each), 2 centipedes, decoction for oral administration. Simultaneously, take Huang Bai (15g), Wu Bei Zi (15g), Xiong Huang (9g), Qing Fen (3g), Bing Pian (0.3g), and She Xiang (0.15g), 2 centipedes. Grind into powder for external use. First, clean the vagina, then use a cotton ball with a string dipped in the powder to apply to the cancerous area once daily. (Shanxi Medical University First Affiliated Hospital Recipe)
4. Penile Cancer
Xue Jie (Dragon’s Blood) and Bai Shao (9g each), Xiang Pi (Elephant Skin), Ku Fan (Alum), and Qing Dai (Indigo) (15g each). Grind into fine powder, encapsulate, take 2 capsules twice daily. (《Practical Anti-Cancer Recipes》)5. Cancer Pain: Bai Shao (100g), Sheng Gan Cao (Fresh Licorice) (50g). Decoction for oral administration, one dose daily. [Public Health Report, 2002, (7)]
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