White Peony

Paeonia lactiflora

Monograph

1. Plant Family:
• Paeoniaceae, or the peony family ^[1]
2. Habitat & Cultivation:
• Native to central and eastern Asia, introduced to Europe and England in the mid-18^th century. The flowers bloom perennially in a cup- or bowl- shape. ^[1]
3. Parts Used:
• Root ^[2]
4. Herbal Actions:
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-viral
• Anti-bacterial
• Antioxidant
• Cholesterol reduction
• Modulation of pro-inflammatory mediators
• Modulate blood glucose
• Alterative
• Emmenagogue
• Nervine
• Anti-allergic prevention of mast cell activation
• Spasmolytic
• Mild sedative
• Ovarian tonic
• Anti-androgenic ^[1]
5. Body System Indications:
• GU - Prevent diabetes associated renal failure, dissolve kidney stones, fatty liver
• GI - Reduce elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), hepatitis, H. Pylori, healing fissures, dyspepsia
• MSK - Rheumatoid arthritis, muscle cramping
• Cardiovascular - Atherosclerosis
• Respiratory - Whooping cough
• Skin - Eczema, dermatitis, HSV
• CNS - Migraine, neuralgia, epilepsy
• Endocrine - Reduce HgbA1C, stimulate insulin secretion, dysmenorrhea, PCOS, PMS ^[1]
6. Plant Constituents:
• Flavonoids, tannins/polyphenols, monoterpene glycosides ^[2]
7. Energetics:
• Bitter, astringent, cooling, sweet ^[3]
8. Safety & Interactions:
• May inhibit platelet aggregation (use caution for those with low platelets, clotting disorders, or those on anticoagulant medications). ^[1]

Personal Experience

1. Organoleptics:
•  The dried root looks like shaved curls of wood. Medium-dark brown in color. A strong bitter smell, again like urine (same as licorice).
2. Preparation Method:
• Tincture: (1:4 in 70%) 2-4 dropperfuls 3x/day.
• Decoction: 1 g dried herb in 1 cup water, boil and simmer for 5 mins. Drink 3x/day. ^[2]
3. Usage Notes:
• I made a tincture. It turned out very strong, almost chemical-tasting but I think it's the strong floral taste that makes it this way. Almost like drinking perfume. It would be better in a glycerine-based formula. I can feel the bitter attributes clearly in my mouth. I was very interested in this herb for the liver support - I definitely feel that my body liked this herb. It's hard to say why.

Sources:

1. Zollinger, R. & Riccio, L. (2019). Week 4 Study Questions. Bastyr University: WI-19_MW5125-A Botanicals 5: Holistic Gynecologic Health
2. Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
3. Frawley, D. & Lad, V. (2001). The Yoga of Herbs. Twin Lakes, Wisconsin: Lotus Press.