|
More
Information:
Other
Common Names
Peony Root, White
Page
Number In Radiant Health
192
Pharmaceutical
Latin
Radix Paeoniae alba
Pinyin
Bai Shao
Treasures
Blood
Treasure
Rating
****
Atmospheric
Energy
Slightly Cold
Taste
Slightly cold
Organ
Meridian Systems
Liver and Spleen
Primary
Functions
To nourish blood and consolidate Yin, to soothe the
liver, to cleanse the blood and to stop pain
Qualities
White Peony root is a famous and highly prized tonic
herb used to build and cleanse the blood. It is one of
the most highly prized women's herbs used traditionally
to help regulate the female hormonal cycle and to tonify
and purify the blood, to help regulate menstruation and
to improve the quality of the skin. Men use it as a
blood tonic as well. White Peony is commonly combined
with Dang Gui, Rehmannia, Ligusticum and other blood
tonics.
It is also used to relax muscles, both striated and
smooth. It is said to relieve cramps and spasms anywhere
in the body. But in particular, it is considered to be
very highly effective in relieving menstrual cramps,
cramps in the gastrocnemius and in the feet. White Peony
contains components which make it an effective
pain-reducing agent. White Peony has a calming effect
and is widely used as an emotional stabilizer,
especially by women. When combined with Licorice root,
White Peony's anti-spasmodic, analgesic qualities are
magnified. This combination is better than the sum of
the parts.
White Peony root is considered to be one of China's
premium antiaging herbs and is very widely used to
promote beauty. It purifies the blood which in turn
purifies the skin. There is an old Chinese saying that
"a woman who consumes White Peony root every day
becomes as beautiful as the Peony flower itself."
The Peony flower is the national flower of China and the
symbolism of the statement illustrates how effective the
Chinese believe White Peony root is in generating
beautiful skin and radiant health. Women who use White
Peony for an extended period of time find that their
skin becomes finer, smoother, softer and cleaner. The
skin develops a soft radiance that looks young and
alive. For beautiful skin, White Peony root is usually
combined with other anti-aging, beauty-enhancing herbs
such as Dang Gui, Pearl, Placenta, Schizandra,
Astragalus, Royal Jelly, Asparagus root, Gynostemma,
etc.
Primary
Combinations
White Peony is always used in combination with other
tonic herbs. Combine with:
1. Dang Gui, Rehmannia and Ligusticum to build blood,
regulate the female hormonal system and relieve
menstrual pain
2. Licorice Root to relieve spasms and cramps in the
gastrocnemius, feet and internal organs, especially the
pelvic organs and digestive tract
3. Dang Gui, Schizandra, Pearl, Longan and Coix to clear
the complexion and beautify the skin
4. Bupleurum to cleanse the Liver
Varieties
and Grading
The best quality White Peony root is said to come from
the Eastern region of Hangzhou. It is now known that the
chemistry of White Peony grown near Hangzhou is richer
than that of other sources. Good White Peony is smooth
and smooth and though it is fundamentally white, it will
have a pink hue. Larger pieces are always considered
best.
Contraindications
Since the herb is cold, it should be used cautiously in
cases of excess cold or deficiency of Yang.
|
