Common Peony (Paeonia officinalis)

Common Peony (Paeonia officinalis) is a member of the Paeoniaceae family, native to Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Southern Russia. Traditionally, its rhizomes, roots, and flowers have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Peony
Scientific Name	Paeonia officinalis
Plant Family	Paeoniaceae
Genus	Paeonia
Species	officinalis
Native Range	Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Southern Russia
Plant Parts Used	Rhizomes, Roots, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Sedative, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Paeonia officinalis
Common Name: Common Peony
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Peony, Chinese Peony, Turk'S Turban
Plant Family: Paeoniaceae
Genus: Paeonia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches 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 flowers with actinomorphic symmetry, five sepals, five petals, and numerous stamens arranged in two whorls, with flower color ranging from white to pink.
Stems: Cylindrical, woody, erect growth habit with simple branching, glabrous surface, and opposite leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a mild anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Sedative: Historically regarded as a soothing sedative, in stress-related herbal practices.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a gentle tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate carminative, in digestion-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Glycoside: A broad class of compounds composed of a sugar bound to a non-sugar component.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Plant material is simmered in water to extract compounds from tougher parts.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: A preparation created by pulverizing dried plant material.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.