White Peony Root
1:3 Ethanol/distilled H2O Spagyric tincture of Paeonia albiflora with salt principle added.
Planetary ruler: Moon.

Physical effects*:
Peony is indicated for blood nourishment, for both men and women, though it specialises in nourishing aspects of the blood and hormones that stabilse and regulate a woman’s menstrual cycles, her fertility, transitions through puberty, and menopause. Peony is a cooling, bitter herb that has an affinity for reducing hypertension and cardiac abnormality, especially in individuals who tend towards, anxiety, frustration, and extreme or long winded periods of anger. The actions of this herb include: analgesic, sedative, antispasmodic, adaptogen. It can be remedial for dizziness, swollen tissues, headaches, nightmares, melancholy, fainting, pain, liver stagnation, anemia, menstrual pains, hormone imbalance, irregular periods, childbirth, cleansing after childbirth, stomach pain, lower back pain bladder infections, urine cleansing, and kidney issues. It contains volatile and fatty oils athat are nourishing for the nervous system. Some studies have found peony to contain phytoestrogens (different to toxic xenoestrogens) that are structurally similar to estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, and they act like estrogen in the body. Peony has been used to treat anxiety, depression, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders and inflammation. 

*Before purchase please see full disclaimer at bottom of page - statements and products not approved by TGA.

Spiritual/Emotional effects*:
For a root, the sensations this medicine bequeaths are quite luminous. A spritely feminine essence graces ones awareness. For sure, that essence contains much care and compassion, but not the kind to pander to the minds melancholy and moping in a ‘there there’ kind of way, rather Peony instills within one a keener vision to see ones self-generated constraint with clarity. She also sharpens our awareness of all the good things in life to be present for, and all the good things that wish to manifest themselves through our being. By witnessing the ways in which our habits, thought patterns and deeper subconcious beliefs are holding us back, whilst simultenously realising what life wants from us and what we want from life a certain kind of release happens – our inner, emotional world begins to flow. Perhaps it is akin to a woman’s waters breaking in the birthing process… the show is thenceforth on the road. One may also find that Peony brings cheer to the heart, that same vivacious essence brings a dynamic social desire to this center of relating, helping us to find a love for ourselves that supports and enables us to go forth and weave new moments and connections with other humans. It is a medicine that brings harmony and equilibrium amongst lifes changes… particularly beneficial and useful for females navigating changes from childhood to puberty, to motherhood, menopause, and then the wise crone.

Contraindications:
- Peony root might decrease the amount of phenytoin in the body. Taking peony root along with phenytoin (Dilantin) might decrease the effectiveness of phenytoin (Dilantin) and increase the risk of seizures.
- Antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs: Peony might slow blood clotting. Taking peony along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
- Surgery: Peony might slow blood clotting, so there is a concern that it could increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using peony at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.