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Editor’s Introduction
As the purple buds break through the cold earth, the grass on the slope grows green in another cluster. Swaying gracefully amidst the misty rain, the humble herb penetrates the autumn heart. In my view, the whole herb of Bai Shao (白芍) is of superior elegance, bright yet dignified, passionate yet fragile; this contradictory beauty is unique. Naturally, I have a certain affection for Bai Shao, feeling that this herb possesses an inherent grace. Today, we will casually discuss Bai Shao —
Blood Nourishing and Pain Relieving Superior Herb — Bai Shao
This herb is the dried root of the Ranunculaceae plant, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. Harvested in summer and autumn, it is cleaned, with the head and tail and fine roots removed, boiled in water, and then the outer skin is removed or peeled before boiling again, and finally dried.
【Properties and Channels】
Bitter, sour, slightly cold. Enters the Liver and Spleen channels.
【Functions and Indications】
Nourishes blood, regulates menstruation, restrains yin and stops sweating, softens the liver and alleviates pain, and calms liver yang. Used for blood deficiency with sallow complexion, irregular menstruation, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, flank pain, abdominal pain, limb cramps, headaches, and dizziness.
【Application Methods】
(1) Decoction: Bai Shao is usually decocted with other herbs, with a general dosage of 6-15 grams.
(2) Raw or stir-fried: Raw use is more for nourishing yin and restraining fluids, calming liver yang. Stir-frying can reduce the cold nature of Bai Shao, while vinegar stir-frying is more for softening the liver and alleviating pain.
(3) Soaked in liquor: Soak Bai Shao in an appropriate amount of high-quality white liquor for several months before drinking.
(4) Medicinal cuisine: Can be added to dishes, stewed with other ingredients such as chicken or pig’s trotters.
【Precautions】
Should not be used by those with spleen and stomach deficiency, phlegm-damp stagnation, or diarrhea. Not suitable for use with Li Lu (藜芦).
【Examples of Application】1. Bai Shao Lamb Blood Nourishing Porridge
Ingredients: Bai Shao, Shu Di Huang (熟地, Rehmannia glutinosa), Dang Gui (当归, Angelica sinensis) (stir-fried) each 5 grams, Huang Qi (黄芪, Astragalus membranaceus) 10 grams, fine lamb (chopped) 150 grams, japonica rice 100 grams, salt to taste.
Method: First, place Bai Shao, Dang Gui, Huang Qi, and Shu Di Huang in a clay pot, add water, and decoct for 2 hours, strain to keep the liquid. Then add lamb and japonica rice, cook until the meat is tender and the porridge is ready, and add salt to taste.
Effect: Tonifies the spleen, nourishes the kidneys, greatly replenishes qi and blood, can be used as a daily health supplement for women, and is often used for nutritional anemia, aplastic anemia, amenorrhea, postpartum insufficient lactation, postpartum constipation, menopausal syndrome, habitual miscarriage, etc.
2. Bai Shao Dang Gui Tea
Ingredients: Bai Shao 12 grams, Dang Gui 10 grams.
Method: Wash Dang Gui and Bai Shao, place them in a clay pot, add an appropriate amount of water, and decoct for a while. Strain the tea juice and it is ready to drink.
Modern pharmacological studies show that Bai Shao has a protective effect on the liver, and the paeoniflorin it contains can inhibit the increase of lactic dehydrogenase caused by carbon tetrachloride, and has a certain antagonistic effect on eosinophilic degeneration and necrosis of liver tissue.
3. Bai Shao Dang Gui Honey Drink
Ingredients: Bai Shao 15 grams, Dang Gui, Zhi He Shou Wu (制何首乌, Polygonum multiflorum) each 5 grams, honey 20 grams.
Method: Place Bai Shao, Dang Gui, and Zhi He Shou Wu in a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, decoct for 30 minutes, strain to keep the liquid, wait for the soup to cool down, then mix in honey and stir well.
Effect: Nourishes blood and qi, benefits essence and promotes growth.
4. Bai Shao Blood Nourishing and Pain Relieving Porridge
Ingredients: Bai Shao 15 grams, Huang Qi 15 grams, Dang Gui 10 grams, Ze Lan (泽兰, Lycopus lucidus) 5 grams, japonica rice 100 grams, brown sugar to taste.
Method: Decoction of Huang Qi, Dang Gui, Bai Shao, and Ze Lan for 15 minutes, strain to keep the liquid. Add japonica rice to cook porridge, and when it is cooked, add an appropriate amount of brown sugar.
Effect: Tonifies qi and blood, strengthens the spleen and stomach, alleviates pain. Indicated for women’s dysmenorrhea.
Copyright Statement
Some content of this article is excerpted from Ye Tong Ren’s Medicinal Cuisine Compendium (published by China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, edited by Zhou Chaofan and Wang Chonghuan), with final interpretation rights reserved by the original author. Published by Read TCM (WeChat ID: ydzhongyi), cover image sourced from the internet. Please do not reproduce without authorization!
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