What is the medicinal peony used for / how the peony is prepared / peonies seeds The peony is a member of the same botanical family as the buttercup, the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to Asia and has been cultivated in both Japan and China for several centuries. It gives rise to reddish buds in early April in the northern hemisphere.
It is a tall plant that can reach 150 cm in height. It has dark green leaves that reach 12.5 cm. The root is brownish and tuberous.
The flower buds produce a sweet exudate that attracts ants and split open to produce very showy flowers. The plant prefers moist and rich soils and requires a high sun exposure.
Although there are hundreds of varieties of the plant that have been developed over time, most share the same origin and have practically the same characteristics.
Most varieties of peony grown in gardens are hybrids of the two original species of the plant, Paeonia officinalis and Paeonia lactiflora, which differ slightly in appearance. The first is the one that is usually found in gardens and is used as an ornamental plant. The species Paeonia lactiflora, also called Paeonia alba, is often used in phytotherapy, especially in Chinese phytotherapy.
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What is the medicinal peony used for?
What is the medicinal peony used for? It is the question that many people have asked us and here we explain it.
Under the name bai shao the peony is used in many Chinese herbal formulas. It is considered a plant with blood toning characteristics that is used to treat the imbalance of blood in the body, cooling it, favoring the supply of nutrients and activating circulation.
More specifically, it is used to treat sudamine, poor circulation, and bleeding. It is also used for irritability, muscle spasms, vaginal discharge, excessive menstruation, and excessive sweating. It has been used in various gynecological disorders and to prevent abortion.
The plant has been shown to have chemical properties that restore normal functioning of the digestive tract, act as a laxative, relieve pain, reduce or stop spasms or convulsions, lower blood pressure by dilating the arteries, and improve nutrition.
The peony seems to have some positive effect in the treatment of anemia, some types of cancer, seizures, gastritis, hypertension and certain gynecological problems. It has also been used as an emmenagogue, which means that it can induce menstruation in women.
Peony root has been used as a diuretic, sedative, and tonic, and is known for its antispasmodic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The Greeks used it to treat epilepsy and promote menstruation. European herbalists used the root as an antispasmodic and to calm the nerves.
In Chinese medicine, white peony was used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain, muscle cramps and spasms, as well as fever; they remain the most widely used herbs to treat menstrual cramps and menstrual irregularities.
Studies report that Peonia contains 18 active components responsible for inhibiting blood coagulation or platelet aggregation. The active components include paeoniflorin, catechin, galloilpaeoniflorin, and paeonol. The anticoagulant effect of peony promotes healthy blood circulation, which prevents against certain cardiovascular diseases.
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How to prepare the peony
Powdered peony is used in traditional Chinese medicine in combination with other plants such as apricot kernel, Bupleurum, cypress, gingseng, licorice, and gardenia. Some phytotherapists suggest combining peony with nettles and Rumex crispus in equal parts to treat mild anemia.
Chinese phytotherapists contraindicate the use of peony seed when there is diarrhea due to cold deficiency.
It must be remembered that Chinese herbal medicine is used according to individual prescriptions adapted to each patient and their specific symptoms.
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Cultivation of peony to benefit from its medicinal properties
This is an easy plant to grow, doing best in part sun or light sun, rich, cool, well-drained soil.
Remember to stake peonies because the weight of the bloom can break their stems. Liberally add compost to the foot of the plant in early fall: this will help it flower more in spring.
Peonies do quite well in pots larger than 16 inches (40 cm) wide.
Keep in mind that peonies are quite sticky – if a plant blooms where it is, don’t try to move it.
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