Peony, or Paeonia lactiflora in Latin, traces back to Greek mythology and Paeon, the physician of the gods, who was said to have used the plant to heal Hades after a serious injury. In China, where the flower has long been associated with royalty, it is sometimes called the “king of flowers” and symbolizes wealth, honor and feminine nobility.
For medicinal purposes, however, it is the root rather than the flower that is used.
Peony
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According to clinical use
Its active compound, paeoniflorin, has been associated with effects on androgen (male sex hormones) levels in women and with processes involved in converting androgens into estrogens. For that reason, peony root is used in some herbal approaches aimed at hormonal balance and polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS.
It may also support blood sugar balance by helping reduce insulin resistance and potentially influencing inflammatory and metabolic processes.
Peony root is also used to ease muscle spasms, including contractions of smooth muscle such as those of the uterus during menstruation, as well as skeletal muscle spasms. These effects are attributed to a combination of active compounds in the plant that influence certain receptors in the nervous system.
According to traditional medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, the peeled and dried root of the plant is used to nourish the liver and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Over generations, peony has also been used in folk medicine in both Asia and Europe to relieve cramping pain, particularly muscle spasms and severe abdominal pain.
Traditional practitioners have also used the plant to ease anger, irritability, tics and prolonged emotional tension.
How is it used?
Capsules: A commonly cited dose is 500 to 1,000 milligrams of standardized peony root extract per day.
Tincture: 2 to 4 milliliters, three times a day, diluted in a small amount of water.
Infusion: One teaspoon of dried, crushed peony root steeped in boiling water.
Important precautions
People taking blood-thinning medications, including Coumadin or aspirin, should not use peony root without medical guidance.
It is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
High doses may sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, including diarrhea or abdominal discomfort.
As with other herbal supplements, anyone considering peony root should consult their physician or another qualified healthcare professional to make sure it does not interact with medications or affect existing medical conditions.
The author is a clinical dietitian and herbal medicine practitioner