Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is a member of the Paeoniaceae family, native to China, Eastern Asia, and East China. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and flowers have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and sedative actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, korean traditional medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Peony
Scientific Name	Paeonia lactiflora
Plant Family	Paeoniaceae
Genus	Paeonia
Species	lactiflora
Native Range	China, Eastern Asia, East China
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Sedative
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Paeonia lactiflora
Common Name: Chinese Peony
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Chinese Peony, Lactiflora Peony, Peony
Plant Family: Paeoniaceae
Genus: Paeonia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface green and lower surface pale green, exhibiting prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence consisting of solitary, zygomorphic flowers with five petals, two of which are modified into showy lip-like structures, and numerous stamens arranged in two distinct whorls, with flowers displaying a range of pink to red hues and yellow stigmatic surfaces.
Stems: Cylindrical, herbaceous stems with a smooth surface, exhibiting an upright growth habit and a simple branching pattern, characterized by opposite leaf arrangement and the presence of swollen nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a mild anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate tonic, in whole-system applications.
Sedative: Historically regarded as a warming sedative, in stress-related herbal practices.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a calming antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.