Paeoniae Radix Alba Praeparata
Chǎo Bái Sháo (Stir-fried White Peony Root) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the prepared slice (decoction piece) obtained by stir-frying the Chinese medicinal material Bái Sháo (White Peony Root) without any additional ingredients. Compared with the raw product, stir-frying reduces its cold nature and makes its medicinal properties milder.
Efficacy & Actions
Nourishes blood and harmonizes the nutritive qi; astringes yin to stop sweating; soothes the liver and relieves pain.
Indications
Used for sallow complexion due to blood deficiency, abdominal pain with diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and limb spasms
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory effect: The combination of Stir-fried White Peony Root (Chǎo Bái Sháo) and honey-fried Licorice (Zhì Gān Cǎo) can inhibit the expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, and PGE2. Analgesic effect: The analgesic effect of Stir-fried White Peony Root is stronger than that of the raw product. Intestinal regulation effect: Stir-fried White Peony Root has an antagonistic effect on adrenaline-induced inhibition of intestinal activity, while the raw product does not show significant activity. Hepatoprotective effect: It can reduce the activity of transaminases in the liver. Other pharmacological activities: It also exhibits antidepressant, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, among others.
Ingredients
Monoterpenes and their glycosides: Paeoniflorin and albiflorin. After stir-frying, the content of paeoniflorin decreases, while the content of albiflorin increases. Other components: Oxypaeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, volatile oils, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 6–15g.
Contraindications
Not suitable for use in patients with yang deficiency and cold patterns. Should not be used together with Veratrum nigrum (Lí Lú), as it is one of the “Eighteen Incompatibilities” (配伍禁忌) in Chinese herbal medicine. Incompatible with Mirabilite (Máng Xiāo) and Dendrobium (Shí Hú); antagonistic to Turtle Shell (Biē Jiǎ) and Cirsium (Xiǎo Jì). Pregnant and lactating women should inform their physician before use for safety assessment. Infants, young children, and the elderly should not take it in large amounts over a prolonged period. Should not be used together with cardiac glycoside medications. Avoid raw, cold, spicy, and greasy foods during the course of use.
Selected Formulas
For painful diarrhea due to spleen deficiency with liver hyperactivity (borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and pain before defecation) (Danxi Xinfa / Jingyue Quanshu, Tongxie Yaofang) Take stir-fried Baishao (White peony root), stir-fried Baizhu (Atractylodes), stir-fried Chenpi (Tangerine peel), and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia). Decoct in water and drink. For blood deficiency and stagnation in the nutritive level (Xianshou Lishang Xuduan Miji, Siwu Tang) Take Baishao with Danggui (Angelica), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum), and Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia). Decoct in water and drink. For liver depression with spleen deficiency, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (Danxi Xinfa / Jingyue Quanshu, Baizhu Shaoyao San) Take stir-fried Baishao with Baizhu, Chenpi, and Fangfeng. Use as powder or decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for oral use: Take 6–15g of Stir-fried White Peony Root (Chǎo Bái Sháo), decoct it in water, and drink the liquid. It may be used as an adjunctive treatment for sallow complexion due to blood deficiency, abdominal pain with diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, night sweats, and other related conditions.
Medicinal Parts
Dried root, processed by stir-frying.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place. Protect from moisture and insects.
