Paeoniae Radix Alba: Clinical Analysis of White Peony Root
White Peony Root (Paeoniae Radix Alba) is a significant herbal medicinal agent used in East Asian medicine primarily for its blood-tonifying and spasmolytic properties. In clinical applications, it is often paired with Cinnamomi Ramulus to achieve a balance between warming and cooling effects within the body’s circulatory system.
[Prof. Baek’s Medical Insight: Clinical Summary]
Pathological Role of White Peony Root (Paeoniae Radix Alba)
- • The Concept of “Softening”: In pathological states where Liver Qi remains stagnant, it can lead to internal heat. Paeoniae Radix Alba is used to “soften” this state, aiming to restore the physiological flexibility of the liver’s regulatory functions.
- • Converging Mechanism: Unlike herbs that primarily promote outward circulation, White Peony Root exhibits a gathering (斂) property. This helps stabilize body fluids and blood within the vascular space, which is necessary for managing musculoskeletal tension.
- • Clinical Observation: When incorporated into complex formulas, its role is to moderate the inflammatory potential of the blood, providing a stabilizing influence rather than a direct stimulating effect.
| Herb | Red peony, Red peony root, White peony root |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Paeoniae Radix Alba |
| Scientific name | Paeonia lactiflora Pallas |
| Origin | The root of Paeoniae Radix |
| Properties | Bitter, sour, and slightly cold. |
| Channels Targeted | Liver (肝) and Spleen (脾) meridians. |
| Efficacy | 淸熱凉血 祛瘀止痛 養血斂陰 平和肝陽 柔肝止痛 |
| Administration | Deficiency in blood and body fluids Stress-related pain, inflammation, and neuralgia |
| Dosage | 8~16g |
| Suitable Constitution | lesser yin(So-eum) person(소음인) |
| Unsuitable Constitution | lesser yang(So-Yang) person(소양인) |
Origin & Botanical Classification
White Peony Root is derived from the dried roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pallas. It is important to distinguish it from Red Peony Root based on processing and clinical intent:
- White Peony Root (Baishao): Typically harvested from cultivated plants with white flowers; used for nourishing blood and calming hyperactive Liver Yang.
- Red Peony Root (Chishao): Often harvested from wild varieties; it has a higher concentration of heat-clearing components and is used for breaking blood stasis.
- Historical Note: Modern pharmacology recognizes their distinct chemical profiles, although some ancient texts grouped them together.
Therapeutic Properties
Nature & Meridians
Flavor: Bitter and Sour.
Property: Slightly Cold. Acts on the Liver & Spleen meridians.
Primary Indications
Management of blood deficiency symptoms, calming Liver Yang, and alleviating localized muscle tension.
Defined Efficacies (한방 효능)
- 청열양혈(淸熱凉血): Clearing heat to cool the blood.
- 양혈렴음(養血斂陰): Nourishing blood while preserving Yin components.
- 유간지통(柔肝止痛): Softening the Liver to alleviate discomfort.
Mechanisms of Action in Clinical Practice
1. Liver Meridian Regulation
The Liver meridian is sensitive to Qi stagnation, which may manifest as localized tension. The sour and bitter profile of Paeoniae Radix Alba helps regulate this stagnation, encouraging a balanced flow of Qi and reducing symptoms associated with internal heat.
2. Muscle and Fluid Management
Unlike herbs that primarily circulate Qi, White Peony Root possesses a gathering effect. It assists the Spleen in the distribution of body fluids to the muscular system, which is a key factor in addressing cramps and involuntary tension.
- Lesser Yin (So-eum): Generally suitable for enriching blood and fluids.
- Lesser Yang (So-yang): Use with caution as it may interfere with specific meridian balances.
- Tai-Yin: Primarily indicated when signs of Liver Heat are present.
Administration & Safety
- Standard Dosage: 8~16g per decoction.
- Preparation: Soak in water for 30 minutes, followed by boiling for 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Adverse Effects: Excessive use may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, particularly in individuals with cold-type Spleen deficiency.
