Can white peony root (Baishao) be steeped in water for consumption?

White peony root (Bai Shao) can generally be consumed as a tea, but it is important to maintain an appropriate intake.

White peony root has functions of nourishing blood, regulating menstruation, and relieving pain. For the general adult population, in the absence of specific contraindications, moderate consumption of White peony root tea is acceptable. It can help regulate qi and blood circulation and alleviate fatigue. For example, women experiencing menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, or menopausal syndrome, or those with symptoms such as liver qi stagnation and abdominal pain, may benefit from drinking White peony root tea under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner as an adjunctive treatment.

White peony root can nourish yin and subdue hyperactive liver yang, helping to alleviate discomforts such as dizziness and headache caused by excessive liver yang rising upward. It can also improve symptoms like dry mouth and thirst, spontaneous sweating, and night sweats by regulating sweat secretion, reducing unnecessary fluid loss, and maintaining internal hydration balance. White peony root should not be used together with Veratrum (Li Lu) to brew tea, to avoid potential toxicity and unnecessary harm to the body.

After drinking White peony root tea, it is advisable to avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and onions, as they may burden the gastrointestinal tract and lead to symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. During the use of White peony root, it is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress.