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 Paeonia officinalis (Ranunculaceae)
PEONY
The root and petals were used by
herbalists to treat convulsions. Homeopaths give Paeonia for itching. Two
related peonies are used in Chinese medicine for vascular problems,
headaches, and stomach and period pain.
Named after Paeon, the physician to the Greek gods, peony was used by the ancients
in recipes for gallbladder and kidney complaints. At one time, it was said that
peony must be picked only at night and then by means of a string attached to a dog,
but the herbalist Gerard dismissed these "most superstitious and wicked ceremonies"
as trifles. Native to southern Europe but widely distributed, it is a perennial with a
large gnarled rootstock that sends up long stems with compound leaves in spring. The
large attractive flowers have eight crinkled petals that are bright-red on opening but
fade rapidly to pink.
PARTS USED
Root, petals.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Benzoic acid; alkaloid; essential
oil; heteroside.
ACTIONS
Constricts the blood vessels; reduces muscle tension and spasm;
stimulates the muscles of the womb; promotes blood clotting.
MEDICINAL USE
In the past, it was given for convulsions and nervous conditions such as epilepsy.
The Chinese use two related peonies
(P. suffruticosa and P. albiflora) for vascular problems, headaches, and gastric and menstrual pain.
Used in homeopathy (Paeonia) for itching.
PREPARATIONS
Dried root, petals.
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