Bai Shao (白芍) is a common traditional Chinese medicinal herb, derived from the dried roots of the herbaceous plant Paeonia lactiflora, primarily produced in Hunan, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, growing on hillsides or grasslands. It is slightly cold in nature and has a sour and bitter taste, entering the Liver (肝) and Spleen (脾) meridians. Bai Shao is widely used and is an essential ingredient in many TCM prescriptions. It has auxiliary effects on various common ailments, such as irregular menstruation, spontaneous sweating, abdominal pain, headaches, and dysmenorrhea. Let’s explore the functions and efficacy of Bai Shao, as well as its usage and dosage!
01
The Functions and Efficacy of Bai Shao
1. Nourishing Blood and Regulating Menstruation. This is the most prominent effect of Bai Shao. Its sour taste enters the Liver, helping to invigorate Qi and nourish blood, making it very suitable for women. Bai Shao is commonly used for conditions such as Yin blood deficiency, blood deficiency dizziness, pale complexion, and irregular menstruation. When used in combination with Dang Gui (当归), E Jiao (阿胶), and Chuan Xiong (川芎), the blood-nourishing and menstruation-regulating effects of Bai Shao are enhanced.
2. Softening the Liver and Alleviating Pain, Calming Liver Yang. Bai Shao can soften and nourish the liver, providing excellent regulation for individuals with liver issues and helping to repair certain liver damage. It alleviates symptoms such as rib pain and dizziness caused by disharmony of Liver Qi and excessive Liver Yang. Additionally, Bai Shao has significant analgesic effects, assisting with acute abdominal pain and limb spasms, often used in conjunction with Gan Cao (甘草), Bai Zhu (白术), and Fang Feng (防风).
3. Astringing Yin and Stopping Sweating. The acidic substances in Bai Shao have astringent properties, which help to stop sweating. Patients with physical weakness often experience spontaneous sweating, and taking Bai Shao can alleviate this issue to some extent. Bai Shao also has good auxiliary effects for symptoms of sweating caused by external wind-cold. When combined with Gui Zhi (桂枝), Long Gu (龙骨), and Fu Xiao Mai (浮小麦), it can better exert its astringent and sweat-stopping effects.
4. Beauty and Skin Care. Bai Shao is traditionally known for its skin-nourishing and whitening properties, widely recognized since ancient times. When combined with Bai Zhu and Bai Fu Ling (白茯苓) to make the San Bai Decoction (三白汤), it has excellent effects for skin whitening and nourishing blood. From a TCM perspective, it achieves skin brightening and beautifying effects by regulating organ functions and ensuring smooth circulation of Qi and blood. Furthermore, the blood-nourishing and activating effects of Bai Shao make women appear more radiant, effectively addressing issues such as rough, sallow skin, lack of luster, and pigmentation.
02
Usage and Dosage of Bai Shao
9~12g, for diuretic effects, it should be used in larger amounts. Large doses can be used up to 30~45g, but long-term high doses are not recommended.
1. Wine-fried Bai Shao — for headaches and dizziness caused by anger. If you experience headaches and dizziness when angry, especially around the temples, it is likely due to excessive Liver Yang rising to the head. Heat 60g of high-proof liquor (above 60 degrees) in a pan, then add 60g of Bai Shao and stir-fry for two minutes. Consume 6g in the morning and evening.
2. Vinegar-fried Bai Shao — for frequent urination caused by anger. If you experience frequent urination or a constant urge to go to the bathroom when angry, heat 60g of cooking vinegar in a pan, then add 60g of Bai Shao and stir-fry for one to two minutes. Consume 6g in the morning and evening.
3. Bran-fried Bai Shao — for loss of appetite due to anger. Bran, which is the husk of wheat, can be used if you often lose your appetite when angry. Heat a pan until smoking, add wheat bran, and then add 60g of Bai Shao, stir-frying until the surface turns light yellow or deep yellow. Sift out the bran and let it cool. Consume 6g in the morning and evening.
4. Raw-fried Bai Shao — for internal heat and Liver fire caused by anger. The method for raw-frying Bai Shao is simpler. Take 60g of Bai Shao slices, place them in a frying pan, and stir-fry over low heat until slightly yellow, then remove and let cool. Fried Bai Shao not only helps to soothe the liver but also clears heat and drains fire. If you find that you develop a sore throat, oral ulcers, or yellow urine shortly after getting angry, try raw-fried Bai Shao.
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