On this page
Key Facts
- Material
- Root
- Botanical source
- Paeonia lactiflora
- Direct human evidence
- 1 study linked
What Is Bai Shao?
Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora), known in Chinese as 白芍 is the root of Paeonia lactiflora (Paeoniaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal material with documented use in classical TCM texts. In the traditional TCM framework, it is classified as slightly cold in nature and bitter, sour in flavor.
Nourishes Blood, regulates menstruation, softens the Liver, alleviates pain, preserves Yin.
Botanical description: Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (Paeoniaceae). A perennial herb 50-80cm tall with large compound leaves and showy white or pink flowers. The medicinal root is cylindrical, 5-20cm long, with brown cork and white starchy interior.
Traditional TCM Context
Traditional functions: Nourishes Blood, regulates menstruation, softens the Liver, alleviates pain, preserves Yin.
Traditional uses: Used for insomnia accompanied by muscle tension, irritability, menstrual disorders, and Liver Qi Stagnation. Core ingredient in Xiao Yao San and Si Ni San.
Related TCM patterns
This description reflects traditional TCM theory and is not a modern medical diagnosis or treatment claim.
What Research Applies to Bai Shao?
Paeoniflorin demonstrates antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. May help sleep through muscle relaxation.
| Research scope | Material studied | What it covers | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
Direct Bai Shao | Paeonia lactiflora | 1 direct human study | See linked studies below |
Extract / derivative | Standardized extracts, isolated compounds | Bioactivity of concentrated or isolated compounds | Extracts and isolated compounds may not represent the whole herbal material. |
Formula-level | Complete formulas containing Bai Shao | No formula study linked | Formula results cannot be attributed to a single ingredient. |
Preclinical | Animal models, in vitro assays | No preclinical study linked | Animal and in vitro results do not confirm human efficacy. |
Important: Research involving extracts, isolated compounds, or formulas containing Bai Shao may not apply directly to Bai Shao as a whole TCM medicinal material. Different product forms (raw herb, extract, powder, oil) may have distinct chemical profiles.
Directly linked research
- [Review article]The traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.: A comprehensive reviewJournal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018
Safety Information
Safety Summary
What is known
Safety information should be considered in the context of the specific preparation, health conditions, and medicines being used. May cause mild digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Caution in Cold-Deficiency patterns with diarrhea. Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to Paeonia species.
What remains uncertain
- Herb-specific clinical safety data (adverse events, toxicity, long-term use) are not available for review.
- Drug-herb interaction data specific to Bai Shao may be lacking; most published interaction studies use extracts or isolated compounds.
Who should seek professional guidance
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those taking prescription medications, people managing chronic conditions, and anyone considering herbal products for children should consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Bai Shao or any herbal product.
Platform safety boundary
TCMIO provides educational information only — not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. We do not provide dosage guidance, administration instructions, or individualized treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal product.
Safety during pregnancy, lactation, and pediatric use has not been systematically evaluated for Bai Shao as a medicinal material. For urgent or severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Sources Used on This Page(3)
- 1.
Multiple authors. The traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Paeonia lactiflora Pall.: A comprehensive review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2018.
Bibliographic details
Reliability: High
Source type: Review Article
- 2.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission. Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, Volume I. Beijing: China Medical Science Press; 2020. Monograph: Paeoniae Radix Alba (Bai Shao).
Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020Bibliographic details
Reliability: gold
Last checked: July 2026
Source type: pharmacopoeia
- 3.
Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica Classic), circa 200 CE. Original entry: Paeonia lactiflora root. Translated and annotated in: Yang SZ. The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica: A Translation of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Boulder: Blue Poppy Press; 1998.
Shen Nong Ben Cao JingBibliographic details
Reliability: gold
Last checked: July 2026
Source type: classical_text
Medical Disclaimer: The information on TCMIO is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products, starting any new treatment, or making changes to your existing healthcare regimen. Do not stop or modify any prescribed treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.
If you are experiencing severe or urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or visiting the nearest emergency department.