Mu[3] Dan[1] Pi[2] Cortex of the male peony tree root C. Moutan Radicis
Properties: acrid bitter cool
Channels: Liver, Heart, Kidney
Functions: Clears heat and cools blood for diseases with fever causing
purpura, nose bleeds, vomiting blood.
Clears heat in the Ying and Blood levels. Use for heat sensation at night an dcold sensation
in the morning with no sweating. Also use for short menstrual cycle with premenstrual
feverishness.
Moves blood stasis due to heat in the blood. For dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
with heavy bleeding with clots or amenorrhea (use with Gui Zhi and Tao Ren). Tongue presentation: purples red tongue body. Pulse:
wiry, rapid/choppy. Also for infertility due to myoma or fibroids attached to uterus or within muscles (Use with Ru Xiang and Mo Yao).
Used topically for firm non-draining sores or internally for Intestinal abscess or
appendicitis. For appendicitis decoction of Da Huang Tao Ren and Mu Dan Pi is prepared
for enema. Can use with fever that is not too strong with pain and no stool for a few days.
Also used for Liver and Intestinal Cancer
Dosage in decoction: 6-12g
Caution and contraindication: Cold deficiency of Blood. Pregnancy or during excessive menstruation. Sweat due
to Yin deficiency.
Clinical Research: Antimicrobial effect in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella typhi.
Cardiovascular effect: Lowered blood pressure in animal experiments.
Blood pressure was lowered in 20 cases of hypertension in experiment using Mu Dan Pi.
Lowered body temperature in animal experiments.
Intraperitoneal or oral administration of prepared mu dan pi had a tranquilizing, hypnotic and
analgesic effect.
References:
1. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica. Dan Bensky and Andrew Gamble. 1993. Eastland Press.
Seattle, Washington. pp. 70-71.
2. Lecture and notes from Pharmacopoeia III 1999. Dr. Li Jin,
OMD. p. 54.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Index