Chi Shao – Red Peony Root – Radix Paeoniae Rubrae

Chi Shao, known as Red Peony Root, is the processed root of Paeonia lactiflora, prized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its ability to invigorate the Blood, clear heat, and reduce pain and inflammation. It is commonly used in formulas to treat menstrual pain, abdominal masses, traumatic injuries, skin eruptions, and blood-heat syndromes. Chi Shao is cooling in nature and particularly effective when heat and blood stasis occur together.
Functions & Benefits
Invigorates the Blood and Dispels StasisUsed to relieve menstrual cramps, abdominal pain, traumatic injuries, and masses caused by Blood stagnation.
Clears Heat and Cools the BloodEffective for skin rashes, red eyes, nosebleeds, and bleeding due to Blood Heat.
Reduces Swelling and Alleviates PainApplied in cases of inflammation, boils, abscesses, or joint pain associated with heat and stasis.
IndicationsIndividuals with dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, or blood clots during menstruationPeople with inflammatory skin conditions, boils, or abscessesPatients recovering from trauma, swelling, or bruisingThose with nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or blood in the urine due to heat
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Dark red or purple with yellow coating (indicating Blood stasis or heat)Pulse: Wiry or choppy, sometimes rapid (suggesting stasis and heat)
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Chi ShaoBlood Stasis in the Lower Jiao – Menstrual pain, dark clotted blood, pelvic massesHeat in the Blood – Bleeding symptoms, rashes, red inflamed eyesTrauma and Inflammation – Swelling, bruising, pain after injury
Precautions & ContraindicationsNot suitable during pregnancy, especially in large doses, due to blood-moving properties.Avoid in cases of Spleen Qi deficiency with loose stools.Use with caution in individuals with excessive menstrual bleeding or already taking blood thinners.
ConclusionChi Shao is a cooling, blood-invigorating herb ideal for treating conditions where heat and stasis are combined, such as menstrual disorders, inflammation, skin conditions, and trauma. Its dual action of moving Blood and clearing heat makes it a staple herb for restoring circulation and resolving pain in TCM practice.