Herbology 101 is a series where we explore the healing properties of the Chinese medicinal herbs used in Sola Skincare. The practice of Chinese medicine has evolved over its 2,000 years and involves acupuncture, massage, physical exercise, nutritional healing, as well as herbal medicine.
Bai Shao (Paeonia Lactiflora), the root of the white peony, is cultivated in the Zhejiang, Anhui, and Sichuan provinces for use in Chinese medicine. The roots are harvested, peeled, boiled, and sundried before they are used therapeutically.
In Chinese medicine, Bai shao is nourishing for the blood, bringing balance to the body by calming the liver and spleen. Bai shao’s effect on the blood has long been used to treat irregular menstruation in women and has even been used to ease pain, cramping, or spasms. It also rids heat from the liver, an organ which impacts the health of the skin.
We use Bai shao in our Soft Skin Balm, an emollient we recommend for use on the body parts most in need of deep moisturizing—our elbows, knees, and feet. Along with other Chinese medicinal herbs known to retain moisture in the skin, Bai shao is first infused in organic olive oil, then blended with shea butter, beeswax and the essential oils of lavender and patchouli to create this moisturizing balm.
For the skin, Bai shao helps enliven a pale, dull complexion by regulating the blood. It also helps to heal brittle nails through the body’s enriched circulation. The medicinal root also helps to balance the body’s release of water through the opening and closing of pores. In other words, Bai shao helps to manage sweating and balancing moisture retention in the skin.
The Sola Soft Skin Balm’s naturally nourishing and moisturizing effects are elevated by the properties of Bai shao.
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