AKA: European Peony, Piney, Moutan, Tree Peony, Moutan Peony, Mudan, Common Peony

Native to China, the peony is an extremely hardy ornamental flower that can be found growing wild in Southern Europe and is cultivated everywhere, being prized as a beautiful addition to gardens all over the world. Being hardy, the peony can grow in almost any soil, but it prefers deep, rich, well drained loam. It does well in sun or partial shade and avoids spots where frost damage is likely. The plant propagates quickly and has become a very popular ornamental plant. Aside from its beauty, the plant’s root has also been used medicinally for thousands of years. It has a tranquilizing effect on nerves, a pain relieving effect of muscles, and a purifying effect on the blood. It has been used as a remedy for "female complaints" on the physical and emotional levels and men have also utilized it for it ability to give a overall feeling of well being.

During autumn the root of the peony that is at least two years old (preferably four to five) is harvested by lifting it and stripping away the root bark. The root bark is then boiled and dried before it is used as a herbal medicine. It is a pungent bitter, analgesic herb that can cleanse and cool the blood and liver and reduce the pain. The Peony is first mentioned in the twelfth-century work: Pouch of Pearls and it was used well into the Middle Ages to ward off evil and tempests. It was also worn as a necklace to ward off spirits and disease and put under pillows to dispel nightmares. The Europeans also used it as a remedy for jaundice, kidney and bladder problems.

Benefits and Uses

• Antispasmodic
• Sedative
• Tranquilizer
• Analgesic
• Anticoagulant
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal
• Antiallergenic

Active constituents: monoterpene glycosides (including paeoniflorin the most active bitter), proanthocyanidins, flavonoids, tannins, polysaccharides, asparagi and sitosterol.

Peony Root is probably best known for its antispasmodic capabilities, helping to relax and smooth muscles. It is effective against cramps of all kinds including calf muscle spasms, cramps of the limbs, abdominal cramps that occur after diarrhea, cramps caused by asthma, epilepsy, convulsions and menstrual cramps.

Peony Root is also an effective diuretic helping to remove obstructions, aiding with many kidney and bladder problems. The diuretic properties help remove uric acid through increased urine flow helping to relive problems such as gout.

Peony Root is considered to have sedative and tranquilizing effects, helping to calm nerves, treat irritability and other nervous conditions. It is also thought to help with nightmares and was used at one time to treat dementia. It is also considered a analgesic, helping to relieve pain in the abdomen, headaches and muscle pain.  Women have been using it for centuries to relieve painful menstruation and to treat amenorrhea, which the absence of menstruation.  It has also been used during labor to relieve pain, relax muscle tension and stimulate the uterus.

Peony is thought to work well as a blood coolant and purifier. It works as an anticoagulant, helping to remove congealed blood and ease the pain of blood stagnation. It is also thought to help nourish the blood. Some research has shown that peony root could help reduce blood pressure making it helpful in cases of eclampsia, which is a severe form of pregnancy induced hypertension which can result in seizures.  It is also thought that peony root helps cool and remove obstructions from the liver and has been used to treat jaundice since ancient times.

Peony root is considered to have antibacterial, antifungal and antiallergenic properties and has been used to treat gastrointestinal infections. It has also been used as an topical for boils and skin problems, Some people even use it to get healthier and younger looking skin.

Dosage

Take two capsules twice a day with food and water.

Warning

Do not use Peony Root if you are pregnant or nursing. A healthcare provider should always be consulted before using this herb.

coming soon....