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. Urban Fringe Dispensary disclaims any liability, loss, injury or damage incurred as a consequence of the use and application of the advice given herein.