Introduction of Bai Shao: White Peony Root

TCM Herbalism:Medicinals and Classifications. ✵The article records the herb White Peony Root—its Pinyin Name, English name, Latin name, properties and flavor, and its botanical sources: two plant species, (1) Paeonia lactiflora Pall. and (2) Paeonia lactiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa (Bunge) Stern.—with a detailed introduction to the botanical features, growth characteristics, and ecological environments of these two species; the characteristics of the herb White Peony Root; its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.

Radix Paeoniae Alba (White Peony Root)

pale whitish herb root slices of White Peony Root are piled together Pinyin Name: Bái Sháo
 English Name: White Peony Root
 Latin Name: Radix Paeoniae Alba
 Properties and Flavors: Cool in nature; bitter and sour in taste

 Brief Introduction: Radix Paeoniae Alba is the peeled and dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. It is used (1) to nourish the blood and regulate menstruation for treating menstrual disorders; (2) to pacify the liver and alleviate pain, relieving headache, hypochondriac pain, and spastic limb pain; and (3) to relieve excessive sweating. The herb is commonly known as Radix Paeoniae Alba, White Peony Root, or Bái Sháo.

 Botanical Source: Classical herbal book define Bai Sháo (White Peony Root) as the root of (1) Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (cultivated variety). Other authoritative herbal classics also accept (2) Paeonia lactiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa (Bunge) Stern. as a botanical source. Both belong to the genus Paeonia L., family Ranunculaceae (buttercup family), order Ranales (Ranunculales). These two commonly used species are described below:

(1) Paeonia lactiflora Pall.


Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall:plant,flowers,and follicles 
Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall:stems and leaves 
Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall:buds 
Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall:flower buds,scaly buds 
Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall:Axillary buds,Flower buds 
Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall:Peony flowers,Follicles,Peony seeds 
Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall:root of Paeonia lactiflora consists of three parts: the root collar, the tuberous root, and the fibrous roots 
Ecological Environment of Paeonia lactiflora Pall 
Growth Characteristics of Paeonia lactiflora Pall 
Collection of Paeonia lactiflora Pall 
Characteristics of the Herb:White Peony Root 
Pharmacological actions of the Herb:White Peony Root 
Medicinal efficacy of the Herb:White Peony Root 

 Administration of Radix Paeoniae Alba (Bái Sháo): 
Administration Guide for Radix Paeoniae Alba:White Peony Root 

(2) Paeonia lactiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa (Bunge) Stern


Botanical Description of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa Bunge Stern:plant,flowers,and difference 
Ecological Environment of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. var. trichocarpa Bunge Stern 
 
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Explanatory Notes:
  • 1. Mixed bud: a bud that produces both vegetative shoots (branches and leaves) and reproductive structures (flowers).
References:
  • 1. Introduction of Bai Shao: White Peony Root

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