Liver Fibrosis, Muscle Cramps and More: How Bai Shao and Gan Cao are Used in Chinese Medicine

Chinese medicine relies on therapies rooted, sometimes literally, in natural practices. This includes modalities like acupuncture and herbal therapies, both of which are effective in an impressive range of medical conditions. Their ability to balance the body’s function and encourage self-healing (or self-regulation) means eastern medicine has a strong track record of efficacy and safety – as long as treatment is administered by a licensed Houston practitioner. Two prominent botanicals in Chinese herbal therapy are Bai Shao and Gan Cao. Together, they are used in a variety of conditions, many of them connected to liver, spleen or muscle health. Here, we’ll review Bai Shao and Gan Cao, and how these two valuable herbs can be used for medicinal purposes. What are Bai Shao and Gan Cao? Bai Shao and Gan Cao are Chinese names for herbs you may already be familiar with. Here’s a closer look at each: Bai Shao – Bai Shao refers to white peony, the root of which is typically used in Chinese medicine. Scientifically termed Paeonia lactiflora, white peony is native to East Asia and also a popular option for gardens in the U.S. Bai Shao root is prized for its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. It’s used as a treatment aid in a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis), kidney disease and liver disease, among others. A pair of medical studies also show that white peony root contains phytoestrogens – compounds that are chemically similar to estrogen and are treated by the body as such. Eastern practitioners use Bai Shao as a form of liver support, as white peony can help regulate hepatic function and prevent liver-centered imbalances. Gan Cao – Gan Cao is the Chinese term for licorice root, another herb that’s been widely used in medicine for thousands of years. Native to East Asia and South Europe, licorice root was first used medicinally in ancient Egypt, but was also popular among Chinese, Greek, and Middle East practitioners. Today, Gan Cao is still used to treat a variety of ailments, including acid reflux, heartburn, peptic ulcers, some upper respiratory conditions, and conditions that affect the liver or kidneys (such as diabetes). Careful dosing is important with Gan Cao, though, because the active compounds in licorice root – glycyrrhizin – can produce adverse effects if too much builds up in the body. Gan Cao is nourishing to the spleen by boosting metabolism and improving nutrient uptake. As such, it’s frequently used in formulas intended to support better spleen function and to protect it from imbalances present in the liver or other organs. How Bai Shao and Gan Cao Are Used in Chinese medicine Among Chinese medicine practitioners, Bai Shao and Gan Cao are frequently used together in herbal formulas. When combined together, the herbal mixture is referred to as Shao Yao Gan Coa tang. When a patient is prescribed a course of Shao Yao Gan Cao tang, it’s taken as a supplement. The Houston practitioner determines proper dosing and treatment duration, so any risks are minimized. Although Shao Yao Gan Cao tang has applications beyond liver and spleen conditions, it is a frontline choice for Chinese medicine practitioners when encountering dysfunction with either organ. Liver, Spleen a