Paeonia lactiflora 

Common name:  Peony, bai shao yao

Botanical description: A perennial herbaceous plant, often grown as an ornamental specimen in gardens.  It grows up to 2 m. The leaves are dark green and divided into leaflets.

Parts used: Root

Harvesting, cultivation and habitat: Widely cultivated in Northeastern China and Mongolia. It can be grown from seed planted in the spring or root cuttings taken in winter. 4-5 year old plant roots are harvested in the spring or autumn.

Constituents: Alkaloids, Paeoniflorin, Volatile oil, Benzoic acid, Asparagin, Monoterpenoid glycosides, Pentagalloyl glucose .

Actions Antibacterial, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, Tranquilising, Hypotensive, Women’s tonic

 Traditional and current uses

• Cools the blood
• Moves stagnant blood
• Relieves pain
• Childhood eczema
• White paeony is specifically good for improving liver function and energy
• Reduces heat especially in eczema, certain nose bleeds
• Pain from injuries
• Liver problems
• Menstrual problems
• Menopausal symptoms
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Reputed to beautify the skin
• Used to treat heavy bleeding between periods, menstrual cramps and pain
• Can benefit hot flushes and night sweats
• Cramping abdominal pain, dysentery
• Numb hands and feet
• Headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision
• Muscle cramps
• Spasms of the anus

Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for educational use only, and is not intended as a replacement for the services of a qualified medical herbalist, doctor or licensed health practitioner. The information contained herein is not diagnostic, always consult a medical health professional before embarking on a treatment programme. Max Drake Medical Herbalist disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.