9Chinese Peony Root Without Bark

Chinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Blood Nourishment and Liver CalmingChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao), also known as "White Peony Root" or Chinese white peony, is the traditional Chinese medicine name for the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora, one of the most respected blood-tonifying herbs in the traditional TCM system. This herb has been held in high regard for over 2500 years – particularly for supporting normal women's health, normal menstruation, normal blood circulation and emotional balance. It is classically classified as an essential "female tonic" in TCM and is also known for its ability to support normal muscle flexibility and nerve calm.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, chinese-peony-root-without-bark (Bai-shao) is described as a bitter-sour and cool herb with a tonifying character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Liver and Spleen meridians. According to this traditional description, chinese-peony-root-without-bark (Bai-shao) primarily tonifies normal blood nourishment and "softens the Liver" – meaning it helps maintain normal Liver Yang (upward energy) in balance and regulates Liver Qi (energy flow) smoothly.Chinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) is seen as an herb that both "tonifies blood" and "relieves pain" – and does so particularly by "astringing" or "fixing" normal blood movements. This makes it particularly suitable for women with normal menstrual discomfort, abnormal menstrual patterns and for individuals with normal muscle or tendon flexibility needs.Botanical Composition and ResearchChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) contains over 20 identified bioactive components, of which the main ones are:Paeoniflorin (5-20%) – the main active component, a monoterpene glycosidePaeonol (0.1-0.5%) – with calming and antioxidant effectAlbiflorin – additional monoterpene glycosidePaeonin – polysaccharideTriterpenoids – with anti-inflammatory actionTannins – astringent actionFlavonoids (quercetin) – antioxidant actionModern scientific research shows that chinese-peony-root-without-bark (Bai-shao) extracts can offer diverse benefits:Blood tonification and menstrual regulation: Studies show that paeoniflorin can support normal red blood cell formation and promote normal menstrual hormone balance. Research suggests chinese-peony-root-without-bark (Bai-shao) can support normal menstrual flow and help normalize normal menstrual timing.Antispasmodic and pain-relief action: Paeoniflorin possesses demonstrated antispastic and analgesic properties. This helps support normal muscle and tendon contracting and traditionally relieves related menstrual pain, abdominal cramping and muscle stiffness.Liver-calming and anti-inflammatory: Studies show that paeoniflorin can support normal Liver Yang balance and help regulate normal inflammatory reactions. This explains why it is traditionally used for emotional stability.Nerve calm and stress response: Research suggests that certain components can support normal nerve function and help regulate normal cortisol response, aligning with traditional use for nerve calm and emotional soothing.Antioxidant protection: Paeonol and albiflorin possess strong free-radical-fighting action, protecting against oxidative stress in blood and tissue.Normal blood vessel function: Studies suggest that certain components can help regulate normal platelet aggregation and support normal blood flow.Skin health support: Paeoniflorin can help regulate normal melanin production and support normal skin health.Neuroprotection: Research indicates that certain components can support normal nerve cell structure and promote normal neurotransmitter balance.Two Related Herbs: Bai Shao vs. Chi ShaoImportant distinction:Chinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) |  (White peony): tonifying, less moving, for blood deficiencyChi-shao (Red peony, Paeonia veitchii): more moving, more blood stasis-resolvingBoth derived from Paeonia lactiflora, but chi-shao has retained the red outer skin, making it "warmer" and more "blood-moving."Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, chinese-peony-root-without-bark (Bai-shao) is classically used in situations described as:Menstrual irregularity or abnormal menstrual timingMenstrual pain or dysmenorrheaAmenorrhea (absent menstruation) related to blood deficiencyNormalizing normal menstrual bleeding amountBreast tenderness around menstruationAbdominal cramping or normal muscle stiffnessSupporting normal muscle and tendon flexibilityHeadache or migraine related to Liver Yang risingRigidity and tremor-like manifestationsSupporting normal emotional stabilityNormal sleep qualityPostpartum blood nourishmentYellowing of eyes and skinDry skin or hair problems (from blood deficiency)These are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Tonifying and Calming CharacterChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) is traditionally seen as the primary "blood tonic" – which helps build and support the fundamental blood status. At the same time, it has a calming, pain-relieving action, making it particularly suitable for women and for individuals with a tendency toward menstrual discomfort, emotional instability or muscle stiffness.Classical Formulas and CombinationsChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) is traditionally used very frequently in:Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Formula for Blood Tonification)Xiao Yao San (Formula for Freeing Constraint)Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Augmented Versio n of above)Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Classical pain-relief formula)Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Gan Cao Tang (Classical spasm formula)Safe Profile: Very SafeChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) is known as one of the safest TCM herbs. It is suitable for long-term daily use, non-toxic and without known serious side effects. Many women use it for years for normal menstrual health.Seasonality and Daily UseChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) fits well into daily wellness routines, not seasonally dependent, but particularly beneficial around the menstrual cycle for women. It can be safely used daily for years for continuous blood nourishment.Well-being and Daily UseChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) is valued by modern users – especially women – as part of a conscious wellness routine aimed at normal menstrual health, normal blood vitality, normal emotional balance and general women's health, especially when they wish to support normal menstrual comfort, maintain normal emotional stability or strengthen their overall energy. The herb works optimally in daily tea, in formulas, combined with regular movement, adequate iron-rich nutrition and proper rest.Many users see Chinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) as part of a long-term approach to women's health and blood vitality – as a supportive element in traditional routines, alongside professional guidance and regular medical care when needed.Dosage and PreparationChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) is typically used in dosages of 9-15 grams per day in formulas, or 10-15 grams in loose tea, cooked for 20 minutes. It can also be used as powder or in capsules.Careful Note: PregnancyChinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) is traditionally used in pregnancy to support normal blood circulation, but should be used under professional TCM supervision during pregnancy.Important for Women:For optimal menstrual support, it is traditionally recommended to use Chinese Peony Root Without Bark (Bai-shao) in different phases of the menstrual cycle in combination with other herbs (such as Dan Shen or Dang Gui). This should be done under professional TCM supervision.Important Note for the ConsumerThis product is a dietary supplement and tonifying herb. TCM terms such as Blood Tonification, Liver Calming, Yang Balance and Muscle Flexibility are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine. If you have persistent menstrual problems, severe pain or women's health concerns, you should always consult a doctor or health expert.