Peony Paeonia lactiflora Peony graces the gardens in June. One knows when the blooms are close to opening, as the ants, with the peony’s divine and subtle fragrance draws them in. In traditional Chinese medicine the flower of this long lived perennial comes in a variety of colors and species and has been admired throughout the world, for its sheer beauty for centuries.  White peony is thought to be one of the oldest herbal remedies in the Chinese pharmacopoeia.  Although peony’s flowers have been more recently discovered and made as a food, or used in skin care, in bath bombs and scrubs; the most important part of the plant according to the Chinese is the root - when gathered in the fall and carefully taken from its bed without disturbing the whole plant to come up again the following year. Once the root has been gently stripped of its bark and prepared as a tincture, the remedy gives way to a gentle, yet potent, purifying and rejuvenating tonic. As you begin to discover your plant allies, you will find that many of the natives plants healing properties overlap. As you deepen your relationship with plant allies, you will begin to understand how each plant, even in their similarities communicates and translates their healing powers in very different ways. Peony in Chinese Medicine is combined with other plants to enhance its vital herbal qualities. The roots of white peony have been traditionally utilized to treat a number of ailments including: Insomnia and depression, as well as an important remedy for the women’s reproductive organs skillfully addressing all concerns related to the menstrual cycle and menopausal symptoms particularly, excessive sweating. Today with many chronic conditions and diseases on the increase, Peony has been studied more closely. Among its many chemical constituents the most important of them, is the glycoside, paeoniflorin, ranging from 0.5% to 5.8% in the roots, according to a study by (Tang and Eisenbrand in 1992). The concentration of this important acting glycoside was found to be highest in the November roots and 1st year plants, according to a Japanese study. (Yamamoto 1988) The way in which I have come into relationship with Peony is through the gentle way in which it graces my garden and with the soft and subtle fragrance in which it graces my home. Peony's use as a medicine in China, has consistently shown the way in which it supports women with concerns relating to the liver, with excessive heat and blood stagnation giving way to menstrual cramps, chronic headaches, tinnitus or deregulated menstrual cycles. Peony acts as a blood building and nourishing elixir according to Paul Pitchford, in his book Healing with Whole Foods, and is most often combined with other herbs like Black Cohosh, Dandelion or Licorice to harmonize and sustain the way in which it acts upon the liver specifically, and the entire system. Recently research is showing promising indications with the use of the Peony roots to support those with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome. (PCOS). Not to be used during pregnancy. Available in the Dharani Dispensary.
References: University of Michigan/ Botanical Studies, The Gentle World of White Peony by Daisy Jean www.honeycolony.com Healing with Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford