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White peony, technically named Paeonia lactiflora Pall., is a flowering plant native to east Asia. It grows in many parts of the world, though, including China, Mongolia, and Siberia. It’s also grown as a common garden plant in the northern United States.
Other names for white peony include:
- garden peony
- Chinese peony
- bai shao (or bai-shao)
For more than 1,000 years, the dried root of the white peony has been used in ancient Chinese medicine. It’s traditionally used to treat a wide range of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and pain. Some of these medicinal benefits have been proven by science.
Read on to learn about white peony root and how it’s typically used.
Scientists are still learning about medicinal properties of the white peony root. Some of the available research is outdated or involves animals instead of humans.
Here’s what science has determined so far:
White peony for estrogen
According to a
Also, according to a
White peony root for anxiety and depression
Traditionally, white peony root is used to treat anxiety and depression.
In a
Typically, this protein “captures” serotonin — a chemical that contributes to happiness and well-being — so it can be broken down and recycled. Inhibiting SERT prevents this process, which increases serotonin and in turn produces an anti-anxiety and antidepressant effect.
A
White peony root for autoimmune disorders
White peony root contains glycosides. These are compounds with a carbohydrate attached. This includes paeoniflorin, among other compounds.
When these glycosides are extracted (removed) from the root, it’s known as total glycosides of peony (TGP).
According to a
White peony for inflammation
Similarly, TGP has benefits for inflammatory disorders. According to a 2019 research review, paeoniflorin in TGP can suppress inflammatory pathways. The researchers suggest that it may be beneficial for chronic inflammatory conditions, including:
White peony root for pain
A 2018 animal study found that paeoniflorin has an analgesic (pain-relieving) effect. According to the researchers, this is due to paeoniflorin’s anti-inflammatory properties in the central nervous system.
White peony for blood flow
In ancient Chinese medicine, white peony root is used to prevent thrombosis. A
White peony thins your blood so clots don’t form. It also helps your body better resolve any existing blood clots.
A 2019 review also notes that the active compounds in white peony, including paeoniflorin, can increase blood flow by inhibiting blood coagulation (clotting).
White peony root for skin
A
When applied to a human skin sample, the extract reduced melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color.
So, white peony root extract may be useful for controlling overproduction of melanin.
Other benefits of the white peony root lack sufficient evidence. To date, it has not been proven to help:
Theoretically, the proven benefits mentioned above may help some of these ailments. For example, the pain-relieving effect of white peony root may ease menstrual cramps.
However, more hard scientific evidence is necessary to confirm the benefit.
Like all medicinal plants, white peony root should be used with caution. Possible side effects include:
- excessive bleeding
- diarrhea
- digestive upset
It’s recommended to avoid taking white peony root if you are:
- pregnant
- breastfeeding
- planning to get surgery
Conventionally, white peony root is used in various ways, including:
White peony supplement
As a supplement, the root extract is available as a:
- capsule
- tincture
- powder
You take capsules and tinctures directly by mouth. You can also mix the tincture or powder into a liquid, like water or tea.
It’s worth noting that supplements lack regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means supplements aren’t monitored for quality, accurate labeling, and unsafe ingredients.
If you’re interested in taking white peony supplements, speak with your doctor first and always buy from a reputable company.
White peony root tea
White peony root can also be consumed as tea. It’s typically available as loose tea, so you’ll need a tea strainer. To make it, follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the tea.
Although white peony root has been used for thousands of years, it usually isn’t found in standard grocery stores.
Products with white peony root are typically sold in:
- tea shops
- apothecaries
- herbal medicine shops
- health markets
- traditional Chinese pharmacies
The root of white peony, or bai shao, is a traditional Chinese remedy.
According to scientific research, the herb may improve blood flow, pain, hyperpigmentation, and mood disorders. It might also help autoimmune conditions and increase estrogen levels.
Talk with a doctor before using white peony root. If you decide to use supplements, speak with a doctor first, and always buy from a reputable retailer to ensure quality and safety.