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HerbNET - Magazine - Profile of Chinese Peony
in the growing season to ensure the plants are well fed. We usually prick out the seedlings
into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, and then grow them on in
a cold frame for at least two growing seasons before planting them out when they are in
growth in the spring. Division with great care in spring or autumn. Each portion must have
a leaf bud. If the lifted root is stood in shade for several hours it becomes less brittle and
easier to divide. Divisions that have several buds will usually flower in the second year,
but those that only have one or two buds will take a number of years before they have
grown sufficiently to flower. The roots are harvested in the autumn from cultivated plants
that are 4 - 5 years old and are boiled before being sun-dried for later use. The roots of
wild plants are harvested in the spring or (preferably) in the autumn and are sun-dried for
later use.
Constituents: The root contains asparagines and benzoic acid
Properties: Alterative; Analgesic; Anodyne; Antibacterial; Antiinflammatory; Antiseptic;
Antispasmodic; Astringent; Carminative; Diuretic; Emmenagogue; Expectorant; Febrifuge;
Hypotensive; Nervine; Tonic; Women's complaints.
Energetics: slightly cold, bitter, sour
Meridians/Organs affected: liver
Medicinal Uses: The root of Chinese peony has been used for over 1,500 years in Chinese
medicine. It is particularly employed in female ailments related to menses, pregnancy, and
childbirth. It is known most widely as one of the herbs used to make 'Four Things Soup', a
woman's tonic, and it is also a remedy for gynecological problems and for cramp, pain and
giddiness. When the whole root is harvested it is called Chi Shao Yao, if the bark is removed
during preparation then it is called Bai Shao Yao. The most important ingredient medicinally in
the root is paeoniflorin, which has been shown to have a strong antispasmodic effect on
mammalian intestines, it also reduces blood pressure, reduces body temperature caused by fever
and protects against stress ulcers. It is taken internally in the treatment of menstrual disorders,
injuries, high blood pressure, pre-menstrual tension and liver disorders. The root is an ingredient of
'Four Things Soup', the most widely used woman's tonic in China. The other species used are
Rehmannia glutinosa, Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica sinensis. A tea made from the dried
crushed petals of various peony species has been used as a cough remedy, and as a treatment for
hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
TCM:
Therapeutic Effects: antipyretic, emmenagogue, hemostatic, antiseptic; tonifies blood and
liver-energy
Indications: allmenstrual disorders; lower abdominal pain due to intestinal infections; heat rash;
poor circulation; gallbladder inflammation; deficient blood and liver-energy
Contraindications: Women should not use this herb singly during pregnancy, not during the first
two months after childbirth, but it may be used as part of compound formulas
Incompatibles: Dendrobium nobile, cirsium japonicum; veratru; tortoise shell
Dosage: 5-10 grams in three doses on an empty stomach
According to Chinese herbals, the plant with the white blossom has stronger
blood-tonifying properties, while the red variety is more hemostatic and beneficial to blood
circulation. When liver inflammation (liver-fire) is present, the root from the red type is indicated.
Doses for both varieties are the same.
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