Earth of Metal: Shao Yao 芍藥
味酸皆屬金,五味[子]為之主,枳實為木,豉為火,芍藥為土,薯蕷為水。 All sour belongs to metal, for it is governed by Wuweizi; Zhishi is wood, [Dan Dou] Chi is fire, Shaoyao is earth , and Shuyu [Shanyao] is water. Shaoyao is peony root (Radix Paeoniae), but in modern Chinese Herbalism there is no generic peony root as such – we differentiate between Baishao (白芍) or White Peony (Radix Paeoniae Alba) and Chishao (赤芍) or Red Peony (Radix Paeoniae Rubra). Both herbs in modern TCM theory are said to effect the Blood, with Baishao having a more nourishing quality and Chishao are more moving and cooling quality, respectively. Classical Chinese herbal texts, including the Tang Ye Jing, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, and the Shang Han Lun, do not differentiate between Baishao and Chishao - they just refer to “Shaoyao”. There is often debate over whether a given formula should use Baishao or Chishao. Generally most contemporary practitioners use Chi Shao if there is more excess – such as Blood Stasis or swelling - and Bai Sha