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History
First appeared in Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica, classified as middle class with no categorisation between Baishao and Chishao. Baishao first appeared in Collection of Commentaries on the Materia Medica.
Traditional Usage
Baishao, derived from the roots of the white peony, is a bitter tasting herb that is sour and cool in nature,affecting the liver and spleen meridians. It subdues hyperactivity of the liver, relieves pain, checks excessive perspiration, nourishes the blood and regulates menstruation. Its use is indicated where a patient is suffering from symptoms including headaches and dizziness; costal and abdominal pain; diarrhea; spasmodic pain of the limbs; anaemia; menstrual disorders; spontaneous sweating and night sweating.
Modern Research
Baishao is a central nervous system suppressant, an antipyretic, an antibiotic and can relax and dilate blood vessels to decrease blood pressure, and calm the smooth muscles of the intestines. It has been used extensively in clinical studies to treat intestinal cramps, muscle spasms and constipation with good results.