Scientific Name:Paeonia suffruticosa
About this Herb:Peonies are herbaceous perennials. There are 30 species of Peonies, some are woody shrubs. Peonies produce large, often fragrant flowers. Blooming in late spring and early summer, Peonies come in shades of red to white or yellow. Peonies are native to Asia, Southern Europe and Western North America. Peony is named for the mythical Greek figure Paeon, who was said to be a student of the illustrious physician Aesculapius.
Common Names:Bai Shao, Chi Shao, Chinese Peony, Common Peony, Coral Peony, Cortex Moutan, European Peony, Jiu Chao Bai Shao, Moutan, Mu Dan Pi, Paeonia, Paeonia alba, Paeonia albiflora, Paeonia anomala, Paeonia arborea, Paeonia arietina, Paeonia beresowskii
Uses:Peony root has been used as a diuretic, sedative, and tonic, and is known for its antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The ancient Greeks used it to treat epilepsy and promote menstruation. European herbalists used the root as an antispasmodic and to soothe nerves.
Additionally, different color flowers were used for different ailments. In Chinese medicine, Bai Shao or White Peony was used to treat hypertension, chest pain, muscle cramping and spasms, as well as for a fever.
Chi Shao or Red Peony was used for various conditions pertaining to blood, such as bleeding or restricted blood flow, nosebleeds, bleeding wounds, and excessive menstrual bleeding. It was also used to treat female problems including painful and irregular menstruation. In fact, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is one of the most widely used herbs to treat menstrual cramps and menstrual irregularities. Peony is used as a single remedy or in combination with other herbs to ease emotional nervous conditions.
Today it is said to be used to: Enhance mental function, Improve liver function, Help prevent liver damage from chemical toxins such as carbon tetrachloride, Treat viral hepatitis, Lower cholesterol levels, Normalize blood pressure, Inhibit blood platelet aggregation (blood clotting), Improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, and Relieve muscle cramps due to diabetes, dialysis, and cirrhosis of the liver.
Peony root can be taken as a tea, extract or in capsules. Peony is almost always used in combination with other herbs in Chinese formulations.
Note: Peony is sometimes called red peony and white peony. This does not refer to the color of the flowers, which are pink, red, purple, or white, but to the color of the processed root.
Applications:Tea: Use 1 ounce of dried root to 1 pint boiled water to make a simple decoction of peony root.
Capsule: Take as directed on label.
Warnings:If you are pregnant and or breast-feeding you should avoid this you herb. Peony is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Some developing research suggests that peony can cause uterine contractions. However, other research suggests a combination of peony and angelica might be safe. Until more is known, don’t use peony if you are pregnant. Also avoid peony if you are breast-feeding. Not enough is known about the safety of using peony if you are nursing.
If you have any bleeding disorders you should avoid this herb because peony might slow blood clotting, there is a concern that it might increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Don’t use it if you have a bleeding disorder.
If you have recently had Surgery you should avoid this herb because Peony might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using peony at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.