What is Chinese Peony Root (Bai Shao)?

Derived from the root of the peony, this ingredient is rich in paeoniflorin, a plant compound shown to boost probiotic levels, potentially improving the bacteria balance of the gut—critical for healthy digestion. It’s thought to nourish Liver Yin, or fluids, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, promoting the body’s natural detoxification process.* 

What are the Benefits of Chinese Peony Root?

While several parts of the peony plant have been used in herbal medicine—like the bark, red peony root, and white peony root—bao shai is the white peony, which has been used to address hypertension, muscle cramping, and fever. Research has found that it helps support the liver and aid digestion, too.*

Chinese Peony Root Benefits: 

• Supports liver health
• Eases muscle spasms
• Builds blood

Chinese Peony Root in Traditional Chinese Medicine

By nourishing the fluids of the Liver, Chinese peony root cools heat and anchors the Yang Qi from floating upward. This helps it treat dizziness, red eyes, and blurry vision. This “cooling” of the Liver also eliminates Liver “Wind” to help it treat muscle spasms of the legs and abdomen and relieve pain.

Liver Yin also includes blood as well as fluids. That’s why bai shao has been used to treat liver blood deficiency with menstrual dysfunction, vaginal discharge, and uterine bleeding accompanied by a pale face, a lusterless complexion and dull nails, and anemia. 

Bai shao also balances the Qi that flows on the outside of the body (Wei Qi) with the Qi that flows on the inside of the body (Ying Qi). This harmonizing effect makes Bai shao extremely helpful to maintain good health and smooth Qi flow throughout the body. 

Bai shao is essential for overall liver health. It balances the “drying” effects of most detoxifying herbs like Chai hu, dandelion, and milk thistle. At the same time, it enhances their effects of moving the Qi, harmonizing the flow of Qi, and reducing Liver stagnation without damaging the liver—making the perfect herb to support liver health.

How to Take Chinese Peony Root

Chinese peony roots can be found sliced or in powder. Chinese peony root is used in many herbal supplements, including our Surface Appeal and Come Clean supplements, to help promote radiant skin and detox the body. 

Easily incorporate Chinese peony root into your diet with The Hao Life’s Chinese herbal supplements. Explore our herbal superblends to find out which one meets your unique needs!

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