In Guizhi Decoction (Guizhi Tang), is the peony used white peony or red peony?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), the term "Shaoyao" specifically refers to white peony root (Bai Shao). Red peony root (Chi Shao) is not conventionally used in this formula. Bai Shao has a bitter and sour taste and is slightly cold in nature. Its core functions include nourishing blood, regulating menstruation, consolidating yin and stopping sweating, soothing the liver, and relieving pain. When paired with Guizhi (cinnamon twig), it helps harmonize Ying and Wei (nutritive and defensive qi), assisting Guizhi in dispersing exterior pathogens while simultaneously helping to conserve yin fluids. This combination aligns precisely with the formula's primary actions of releasing the exterior and harmonizing Ying and Wei, making Bai Shao an indispensable component of the prescription.

Under normal circumstances, the peony used in Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) specifically refers to white peony root (Bai Shao). Red peony root (Chi Shao) is not conventionally included in this formula, and the classical formulation guidelines should be strictly followed. If there is any uncertainty, it is recommended to select the herb according to traditional usage. The detailed analysis is as follows:

White peony root has a bitter and sour taste and is slightly cold in nature. Its core functions include nourishing blood, regulating menstruation, consolidating yin and stopping sweating, soothing the liver, and relieving pain. When combined with cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), it helps harmonize the nutritive (ying) and defensive (wei) qi—assisting Gui Zhi in dispersing exterior pathogens while simultaneously preserving yin fluids. This combination aligns perfectly with the primary therapeutic action of Guizhi Tang: relaxing the muscles, resolving exterior patterns, and restoring balance between ying and wei. Therefore, white peony is an essential component of the formula.

Red peony root, on the other hand, is bitter and slightly cold, primarily functioning to clear heat, cool the blood, resolve blood stasis, and relieve pain. Its actions differ significantly from those of white peony. Due to its strong blood-activating and stasis-dispersing effects, red peony does not align with the underlying mechanism targeted by Guizhi Tang—harmonizing ying and wei. Improper use may disrupt the formula's balance and compromise its efficacy; therefore, it is not included in the standard formulation.

When preparing Guizhi Tang, the classical formula must be strictly observed, and white peony root should be used to ensure therapeutic effectiveness. Any modification of ingredients should only be made after proper pattern differentiation and clinical assessment. Herbs should be sourced through reputable channels to guarantee quality. Prior to taking the formula, consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner is strongly advised to avoid inappropriate alterations to the prescribed composition.

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