Herbs that Tonify Blood

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What is the taste and temperature of Bai Shao (paeoniae radix alba)?

cool, sweet
cool, bitter, sour
warm, sweet, acrid
neutral, sweet, bitter

Bai Shao is sour in flavor. Some people say this is because it strongly enters the Liver channel to smooth, soften, and relax the Liver to treat spasm and contraction. Others say its sour flavor refers to its ability to "preserve yin" during sweating conditions.

Source: Bensky, D. (2004). Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. p. 754 [Q107]