The white peony, a traditional floral symbol of China, is also a very popular medicinal plant. In this article, NUENCE-mtc gives you the secrets and multiple virtues of this magnificent plant and why it is very interesting for women.
It is a herbaceous perennial plant which belongs to the Paeoniaceae family (full Latin name: Radix Paeoniae Albae Lactiflorae). Originally from Asia and more particularly from the plains of Northern China, its presence extends to Japan, Korea and Mongolia, it lives between 400 and 2500 m altitude in meadows or on forest margins. Very early in Asia since at least the 7th century, the species has been cultivated as an ornamental plant . Today, the many hybrid varieties of peonies delight gardeners in Europe with the variety of color and flower size offered and their easy maintenance (it is a hardy plant).
The peony occupies a very important place in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. We use four products including BAI SHAO (or SHAO YAO), the root without the skin which interests us here. We also find in the pharmacopoeia: MU DAN PI, the skin of the roots, CHI SHAO, the root of red peonies (with the skin) and MU DAN, the flower bud.
This is how BAI SHAO is typically prepared and used: the root is harvested in the fall, cleaned, sliced and dried in the sun. The dried slices can then be used alone or in combination with other plants in decoctions, tinctures, powders or pills.
Slightly cold in nature and acidic and bitter in flavor, its tropism is mainly towards the liver and spleen (but also the Heart).
It is known to be a blood tonic. Its traditional use has therefore developed around the following functions: nourishing the blood, activating blood circulation, calming pain.
Its properties will thus make it possible to treat and calm a wide variety of conditions, including pain associated with periods (dysmenorrhea): cramps, headaches, spasmodic pain.
The root of Paeonia lactiflora is rich in tannins and flavonoids. But its calming, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties come from its main active substance: paeoniflorin . It is a terpenoid glycosidic compound.
Studies have shown that white peony root increases the release of serotonin , a chemical associated with happiness and well-being. This increase in serotonin therefore has a positive anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effect.
According to a recent research review, white peony root contains phytoestrogens. These compounds are structurally similar to estrogen, the primary female sex hormone. They act like it and thus contribute to hormonal balance in the body.
White peony is known for its soothing properties. It is therefore widely used to relieve skin irritations and redness.
Thanks to its soothing properties, peony is highly recommended for calm irritated scalps.
Like many other plants, white peony has interesting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it will therefore help to protect the skin against free radicals, and therefore against premature aging of the skin. It also stimulates skin microcirculation, making the skin brighter and full of radiance.
Finally, the depigmenting potential of paeoniflorin can be used to reduce the severity of certain hyperpigmented skin conditions.
The peony is one of the edible flowers . Add a few petals to your salads to spice them up with their little peppery taste or simply to embellish them. You can also cook the whole flower steamed, enjoy it in donuts , in jam or even in syrup .
On this subject, we recommend that you consult the recipes of our partner therapist Catherine Charles .
Although we primarily know the peony for its stunning flowers, it is the white peony root that is highly renowned and used in traditional Chinese medicine.
In cosmetics, its benefits make it a valuable ally for an effective and natural skin care routine. At NUENCE-mtc, we have selected it for its ability to soothe sensitive skin.
It is known to be a “blood tonic”. Its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic activity give it a place of choice in TCM in the treatment of gynecological problems.
Its medicinal properties continue to be the subject of numerous studies. We already know that they extend to the hormonal system and the nervous system, promoting balance and well-being.
