Botanical Index No. 1048

Tree Peony

paeonia suffruticosa

Medicinal Actions

Analgesic, Antiaggregant, Antiallergic, Antiatherosclerotic, Antibacterial, Antiedemic, Antiinflammatory, Antipyretic, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Cardiodepressant, CNS Depressant, Diuretic, Fungicide, Hypoglycemic, Hypokinetic, Hypotensive, Myorelaxant, Respiradepressant, Sedative, Tonic, Colic

Primary Conditions Treated

Hemostat Vasodilator ADD Allergy Amenorrhea Appendicitis Atherosclerosis Bacteria Bleeding Bruise Carbuncle Contusion Cramp Diabetes Dysmenorrhea Edema Fever Flu Fungus Gingivosis High Blood Pressure Hyperglycemia Hysteria Infection Inflammation Insomnia Measles Mycosis Nervousness Neurodermatosis Pain Sinusosis Swelling Urticaria Virus

General Dosage

1 tsp flower/cup water; Chinese report 3–12 g peony root; 6 g decoction.

Safety & Contraindications

Class 1 or 2b. No peonies were approved by Commission E but they did say, “No risks known”. The Physicians’ Desk Reference was a bit more explicit, “Health hazards not known with proper therapeutic dosages” “Side effects that may occur, particularly in cases of over dosages, include gastroenterosis with vomiting, colic, and diarrhea”. Much of the indicated uses and biological activity is attributed to paeonol. Aqueous and hydroalcoholic uses in dental, hair, and skin-care products, for their antiinflammatory, antibacterial, and skin-protectant and soothing properties.

!