Description:
Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) by Integrity Health Naturals is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., commonly known as Bai Shao, White Peony Root, White Peony, or Radix Paeoniae Alba. Health Canada recognizes Paeonia lactiflora as Bai Shao and identifies Radix Paeoniae Alba as its corresponding Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredient.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Bai Shao is traditionally valued for its nourishing, harmonizing, and moderating properties, particularly its traditional affinity for the Liver and Blood. It is traditionally used to nourish Blood, regulate menstruation, preserve Yin, and harmonize the Liver. Health Canada lists Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) among TCM ingredients and recognizes its traditional use in licensed TCM preparations.
Bai Shao is traditionally used for patterns associated with Blood deficiency, including menstrual irregularities, abdominal discomfort, weakness, and symptoms associated with insufficient nourishment of the muscles and tendons. It is also traditionally used to help relax and moderate muscle tension and discomfort associated with Liver Blood deficiency or disharmony.
Benefits:
- Traditional Chinese herbal medicine prepared from Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora)
- Traditionally used to nourish the Blood
- Traditionally used to regulate menstruation
- Traditionally used to preserve and nourish Yin
- Traditionally used to harmonize the Liver
- Traditionally used to support healthy menstrual function
- Traditionally used for menstrual discomfort associated with traditional TCM patterns
- Traditionally used to relieve abdominal discomfort and cramping
- Traditionally used to moderate muscle tension and spasms
- Traditionally used to support the nourishment of muscles and tendons
- Traditionally used to support balance and relaxation associated with Liver Blood deficiency
- Traditionally used to harmonize and moderate the effects of other herbs in TCM formulas
Other Names:
Bai Shao, Bai Shao Yao, White Peony Root, White Peony, White Peony Root Herb, Paeonia lactiflora, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Radix Paeoniae Alba, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Shao Yao (芍药), and Shao Yao Gen (芍药根).
Indian names: White Peony Root, Chinese Peony Root.
Persian name: Bai Shao (بای شائو), ریشه گل صدتومانی سفید.
Traditional Uses:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bai Shao is traditionally used to nourish Blood, preserve Yin, harmonize the Liver, and regulate menstruation. It is traditionally selected according to an individual’s TCM pattern and constitution. Health Canada-listed TCM preparations containing Bai Shao include traditional uses involving nourishing the Blood and regulating menstruation.
Side Effects:
Bai Shao may cause unwanted effects in some individuals, including gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, loose stools, or other digestive symptoms. Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions may occur in susceptible individuals.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if unwanted symptoms occur.
Precautions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medications or other natural health products, or if you have a medical condition.
Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner. Health Canada’s licensed Bai Shao product information states not to use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Consult a healthcare practitioner before use if you have a serious or major medical condition, acute infection, or a TCM pattern involving deficiency or excess. Health Canada’s licensed Bai Shao product information advises consultation with a healthcare practitioner in these circumstances.
Do not use Bai Shao products intended for traditional menstrual support in cases of heavy or excessive menstrual bleeding unless advised by a healthcare practitioner. Specific Health Canada-licensed formulations containing Bai Shao may carry additional warnings depending on their complete formulation.
Discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen or if new symptoms develop.
Interactions:
Consult a healthcare practitioner before using Bai Shao with prescription medications or other natural health products, as potential interactions may occur. Clinical interaction data for whole-herb Bai Shao preparations remain limited.
Dosing:
Use according to the product label or as directed by a qualified healthcare practitioner or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Dosage may vary depending on whether Bai Shao is used as a whole dried root, powder, granule, extract, or as part of a traditional herbal formula.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Preparation:
If using dried Bai Shao, prepare according to the directions provided by your Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or product instructions. Traditionally, the dried root may be prepared as a decoction or used as part of a TCM herbal formula. Preparation and processing may vary depending on the intended traditional application.
Scientific Support:
Paeonia lactiflora is one of the most extensively studied traditional Chinese medicinal plants. Its roots contain numerous bioactive constituents, particularly monoterpene glycosides such as paeoniflorin and albiflorin, as well as flavonoids, polyphenols, and other compounds. Modern research has investigated potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and analgesic activities. However, much of the evidence comes from laboratory, animal, and pharmacological research, and further clinical research is needed to establish efficacy for specific medical conditions.
Health Canada – Natural Health Products Ingredients Database (NHPID). Health Canada identifies Paeonia lactiflora as Bai Shao and Radix Paeoniae Alba as the corresponding Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredient. View Health Canada Bai Shao reference.
PubMed – A Review of the Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Quality Control of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. This comprehensive review examines the traditional uses, chemical constituents, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and scientific research surrounding Paeonia lactiflora. View research.
PubMed – A Pharmacological Review of Bioactive Constituents of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas and Paeonia veitchii Lynch. This review examines Bai Shao and related peony roots, including their botanical origins, traditional medicinal applications, major constituents, and investigated pharmacological activities. View research.
