A robust plant forming a round bush of 50 cm. It has hairless stems and deep green leaves, divided into 9 leaflets. The plant has small simple flowers of a pretty pink. The flowers are beared with a slightly tilted port. Carries several flowers on the same stem.

Alterative, analgesic, anodyne, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, nervine and tonic (root)

Plants For A Future

Paeoniflorin, paeonol (root)

The roots reduces blood pressure, reduces body temperature caused by fever and protects against stress ulcers. It is taken internally in the treatment of amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, injuries, high blood pressure, pre-menstrual tension and liver disorders. It is used externally for boils, sores and inflammation of the eyes. A tea made from the dried crushed petals of various peony species has been used as a cough remedy, and as a treatment for haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner and should not be prescribed for pregnant women.

Jing-Nuan Wu. An Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica. P: 456, Oxford University Press, Inc.2005.