Effects and Functions of Bai Shao (White Peony) and Contraindications
Bai Shao (White Peony) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and its effects and functions are primarily reflected in the following aspects:
Nourishing Blood and Regulating Menstruation: Bai Shao enters the Liver meridian and can nourish the Yin blood of the Liver, helping to regulate symptoms such as pale complexion and irregular menstruation caused by blood deficiency.
Restraining Yin and Stopping Sweating: Bai Shao has a sour taste and functions to restrain Yin and stop sweating. Clinically, it is often used to treat symptoms of spontaneous sweating due to external wind-cold or Yin deficiency.
Softening the Liver and Alleviating Pain: Bai Shao has the effect of softening the Liver and alleviating pain, commonly used to treat chest and rib pain caused by blood deficiency and Liver Qi stagnation, abdominal pain due to Spleen deficiency and Liver excess, and hand and foot pain due to Yin blood deficiency.
Calming Liver Yang: Bai Shao can calm Liver Yang, providing relief for symptoms such as headaches and dizziness caused by excessive Liver Yang.
Contraindicated Populations:
Bai Shao should not be used by individuals allergic to it, as it may cause adverse reactions such as skin itching and urticaria.
Individuals with severe liver dysfunction should avoid Bai Shao, as it may increase the burden on the liver, leading to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.
Those with Qi deficiency and Yang deficiency with spontaneous sweating should not use Bai Shao, as its cold nature may exacerbate their condition.
Foods to Avoid with Bai Shao:
Cold and Cool Foods: Bai Shao should not be consumed with cold drinks, crabs, and other cold foods, as excessive intake of cold foods may stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and cause diarrhea.
Certain Chinese Herbs: Bai Shao should not be taken with Mangxiao (Glauber’s salt), Dendrobium, or combined with Bie Jia (Soft-shelled turtle shell), Xia Ji (Common bur-reed), and Li Lu (Veratrum) to avoid adverse drug reactions.
Specific Western Medications: Bai Shao should not be taken with antihypertensive medications to avoid potential orthostatic hypotension, nor should it be combined with cardiac glycosides, as this may increase drug toxicity. Additionally, Bai Shao should not be used with Heparin, Warfarin, or Aspirin, as this may lead to bleeding symptoms.
Please note that the above information is for reference only. If needed, it is advisable to consult a professional doctor or pharmacist. When using Bai Shao or any other traditional Chinese medicinal materials, ensure that you understand their effects, functions, contraindications, and possible drug interactions to ensure safe and effective use.