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Peony Scientific name: Paeonica lactiflora Pallas Family: Rananculacae Part Used: Root Principal Use: Female reproductive tract pain Principle Action: Cramp killer History and Traditional Use The Peony is indigenous to China, but was imported to Japan so early it is difficult to be certain when the transplantation occurred. It is a perennial plant with flowers of white, red or pink which are born in late spring. The peony was originally introduced as medicine. In fact, its ancient Japanese name "Ebisugusuri" literally means ‘medicine from China’. However, due to its beautiful blooms, in time, many decorative varieties were developed. In Japanese society, it was seen both as a medicine and a source of beauty. In traditional Japanese medicine peony root is seen as being a must in the medicine chest. It is used to soothe menstrual cramps, and for all sorts of pain issuing from the female reproductive tract. This use, like the plant itself, comes from China. The oldest Chinese herbal, "Shinnouhonzoukyou" (Divine Husbandmans’ Classic of the Material Medica) written about 2100 years ago mentions it as relieving abdominal pain, abnormal sensations in the abdomen, sharp pains, and colicky pains. In short, the kind of pain women experience! To this day, it is a very important drug in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a mainstay in the treatment of female problems- specifically used to alleviate pain and muscle cramps. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that it calms the spirit which may explain why it is used to treat women suffering from PMT. The Science of Peony
Chemical Constituents Glucosides: paeoniflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, albflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin. Monoterpenes: paeoniflorigenone, paeonilactone A, B, C, β-pinen-10-yl vicanoside, lactiflorin. Mucilage. Volatile oil. Saccarides. βsistosterol, Benzoic acid, Gallotannins Cramp Killer A newly discovered monoterpene, paeoniflorigenone, was found to block transmission of cramp impulses from nerve endings to reactor muscles. The implication being that Peony blocks cramps. In animal experiments, paeoniflorin was found to be anti-convulsive, anti-spasmodic, sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypothermic, and a smooth muscle relaxant. In a word, it was found to be a powerful menstrual cramp cure. Practitioner Recommended Use for Peony Peony is especially helpful for women experiencing menstrual pain and cramping. It relaxes the uterus and reduces the strength of contractions. For women who experience severe cramping, there could be no better treatment than peony. Dosage Dried root : 5g per day Tincture 1:1 : 5ml per day Tincture 1:5 : 25ml per day Bibliography
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