With special thanks to Sanna Sumner
Latin Name: Peonia lactiflora
Family: Paeoniaceae (Peony family)
Part used: Roots of white peony. After removal of the bark and rootlets, it is boiled in water for a short while, dried in the sun, and then sliced.
Energetics: Bitter, sour, sweet, cool, slightly astringent.
Iris: (Blue or brown iris with many lacunae, ‘daisy petal’ pattern – connected to and around nerve wreath).
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
- Not to be used in pregnancy (may cause uterine contraction), breastfeeding
- In preparation for an operation
- Someone with bleeding disorder
- Hormone sensitive disorders
- Breast cancer
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
ACTIONS
- Anti-oxidant
- Anti-spasmodic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Emmenagogue
- Immuno-modulator
- Hormone balancer
- Circulatory tonic
- Progesterone effect
Main Constituents
- Starch
- Fat
- Sugar
- Tannins
- Oxalates
- Malates
- Glucosides
Main Uses
Digestive System: Reduce abdominal muscle spasms, Liver health
Respiratory System: Cough, reduce pain,
Endocrine System: Balance menstrual cycle, Endometriosis, PCOS, Dysmenorrhea, Heavy periods
Musculo-Skeletal: Rheumatoid Arthritis
Immune System: Systemic lupus erythematosus
Urinary System: Fibroids
Mental and Emotional: Stress, Anxiety
More About White Peony
Paeonia lactiflora has been used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hepatitis, dysmenorrhea, muscle cramping and spasms, and fever for more than 1200 years in China, Korea, and Japan.
White peony is often used in traditional medicine to address menstrual irregularities and conditions associated with women's reproductive health. It is believed to have a balancing effect on hormonal levels.
It is also known for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used traditionally to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation, making it relevant in conditions involving joint pain and muscle discomfort.
In traditional Chinese medicine, white peony is sometimes used to support liver health. It is believed to have a hepatoprotective effect and may help in maintaining liver function.
Some studies suggest that white peony may have immunomodulatory effects, meaning it could help regulate the immune system. This property is of interest in the context of autoimmune conditions.
White peony contains compounds with antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can contribute to cellular damage and aging.
Traditional uses of white peony include its potential to calm the mind and reduce anxiety. It is sometimes used in herbal formulations targeting stress and emotional well-being.
White peony has been traditionally used for its anti-spasmodic effects. This may be relevant in conditions associated with muscle spasms and tension.
Some studies suggest that white peony may have a positive effect on bone health. It may contribute to bone density and strength.
A decoction of the dried root without bark of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. The dried root without bark of P. lactiflora Pall., namely Radix Paeoniae Alba, has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, where it is called Bái Sháo (literally: “White Peony”). is about 60–100 cm tall with large compound leaves 20–40 cm long.
The flower buds are large and round, opening into large flowers 8–16 cm diameter, with 5–10 white, pink, or crimson petals and yellow stamens. It is native to east Asia, and is grown on dry open stony slopes, riverbanks and sparse woodland edges.
References
Hepatoprotective
White Peony (Fermented Camellia sinensis) Polyphenols Help Prevent Alcoholic Liver Injury via Antioxidation
High-performance liquid chromatography revealed that WPPs mainly contained the polyphenols gallic acid, catechinic acid, and hyperoside, which are critical for exerting preventive effects against alcoholic liver injury. Thus, WPPs are high-quality natural products with liver protective effects.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31683564/
Lupus
Exploring the Mechanism of White Peony in the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking
The results of enrichment analysis suggested that WP treatment for LN mainly involves in signaling pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis, advanced glycation end product (AGE)-receptor of AGE (RAGE) pathways, C-type lectin receptor and nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B signaling pathways. Molecular docking predicted that the above components have excellent affinity to AKT1, VEGFA, and JUN. This study gave an insight into the key target proteins and potential underlying pharmacological mechanism of WP in treating LN, which provided evidence for further researches on the mechanism of WP on LN.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37139617/
Gao C., Wu Y., Wang Y., Yan J., Pan H., Cao L., Liang R. (2002). Anti-Inflammatory and analgesic effects of total glucosides of paeonia injection.
Ou-Yang Y. (2008). Research of alcohol extract of Paeonia lactiflora Pall in anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. Shu Li Yi Yao Za Zhi 21, 600–602
Chen G., Guo L. X., Deng X. H., Yin Z. Y., Jing J. J. (2008). Effects of total glucosides of paeony on nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase production in macrophages and its mechanism. Zhongguo Mian Yi Xue Za Zhi 24, 345–347, 351