Chi Shao (Red Peony Root) TCM Herb Guide

Buy Chi Shao (Red Peony Root) here →

Chi Shao (Paeonia lactiflora or Paeonia veitchii), commonly known as Red Peony Root, is a key blood-cooling and blood-invigorating herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For centuries, it has been valued for its ability to cool the blood, move blood, and clear heat.

In classical Chinese herbal medicine, Chi Shao is frequently included in formulas designed to address heat in the blood and promote circulation, particularly in patterns involving blood stasis and heat.

Because of its dual ability to cool and move the blood, Chi Shao is considered an important herb for addressing blood-level heat combined with stagnation.

TCM Classification

Category: Heat-Clearing Herbs that Cool the Blood
Flavor: Bitter, Slightly Sour
Temperature: Slightly Cold

Channels Entered

Liver
Spleen

Traditional Actions of Chi Shao

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chi Shao is traditionally used to:

Cool the blood
Invigorate blood
Dispel blood stasis
Clear heat

Because of these actions, Chi Shao is commonly included in formulas addressing heat in the blood, blood stasis, and circulation-related patterns.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Paeonia lactiflora or Paeonia veitchii
Family: Paeoniaceae

Chi Shao is derived from the root of the peony plant, native to China and other parts of Asia.

The root is harvested, processed, and dried for medicinal use.

It has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for centuries and remains an important herb for cooling and moving the blood.

Historical Use in Chinese Medicine

Chi Shao has been recorded in Chinese medical texts for over two thousand years and appears in classical formulas such as Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, traditionally used to address blood stasis patterns.

Historically, it has been valued for its ability to cool the blood while promoting circulation, making it a key herb in TCM.

Herbs Often Used With Chi Shao

Chi Shao is frequently combined with other herbs to enhance its ability to cool and move the blood.

Common companion herbs include:

Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) – cools the blood and invigorates circulation
Sheng Di Huang (Fresh Rehmannia Root) – cools the blood and nourishes Yin
Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) – invigorates blood and dispels stasis
Hong Hua (Safflower) – promotes blood circulation and removes stasis

These herbs are often combined in classical formulas to cool the blood, invigorate circulation, and resolve stagnation.

Chi Shao in Traditional Herbal Formulas

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chi Shao is rarely used alone and is instead included in multi-herb formulas.

It plays an important role in formulas designed to:

Cool the blood and clear heat
Invigorate blood and dispel stasis
Support circulation and balance

This makes Chi Shao especially valuable for practitioners creating custom herbal formulas.

Important Disclaimer

The information provided on this page reflects traditional herbal knowledge and historical use within Chinese medicine and is intended for educational purposes only.

Plum Dragon Herbs products are raw botanical materials and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.