Health Guide

Paeonia moutan

Meet **Paeonia moutan**, also known as the Tree Peony. While its blooms are stunning, the root bark is a powerhouse in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Think of it as nature's cooling agent for the body. It's packed with active compounds like paeonol, which act as a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Unlike a standard vitamin, this is a targeted botanical used to soothe internal 'heat'—helping with everything from hot flashes and skin breakouts to aches and pains. It’s a sophisticated herbal ally for balancing your system naturally.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Primary Mechanism of Action

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

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Inhibition Activity (%)

Biological Pathway →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Soothes Internal Heat: The classic use in TCM; helps manage inflammation and fevers.
Supports Healthy Circulation: Traditionally used to improve blood flow and ease discomfort.
Skin Health: Reduces redness and irritation associated with acne or rosacea.
Hormonal Balance: Often used to ease symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Deep Dive

Paeonia moutan works by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (signaling molecules that tell your body to swell and hurt). Its star player, paeonol, scavenges free radicals, protecting your cells from oxidative stress. In women's health, it is often paired with other herbs to regulate the liver's energy flow, which is believed in TCM to be the root of many hormonal imbalances. It essentially acts as a systemic soother, calming down overactive physiological responses.

Natural Food Sources

Important Note: Paeonia moutan is a specialized herbal root, not a nutrient found in everyday fruits or vegetables. It is harvested from the root bark of the Tree Peony plant. You cannot get a therapeutic dose from your grocery store produce; it requires concentrated herbal preparations.

Supplementation

Typical Dosage: Standardized extracts usually range from 300mg to 600mg daily, depending on the concentration of paeonol.
Who should use it: Ideal for individuals dealing with 'excess heat' symptoms (redness, irritability, hot flashes) or vascular discomfort.
Form: Usually found as a powdered extract in capsules or as a concentrated liquid tincture.

Top Food Sources

Paeonia moutan (Root Bark)

Standardized extract (3-6% Paeonol)

Paeoniflorin (Extract)

Isolated active compound

White Peony Root (Bai Shao)

Related species, different profile

Berries (Vitamin C)

Supports antioxidant status generally

Turmeric

Synergistic anti-inflammatory

Frequently Asked Questions

No. The medicinal part is the root bark, specifically from the cultivar *Paeonia suffruticosa* (Tree Peony), not the common herbaceous peony flowers.

For acute issues like heat or inflammation, some feel relief within days. For hormonal balancing, it may take several weeks of consistent use.

While the petals are edible in salads, they do not contain the medicinal concentration of paeonol found in the root bark.

There are no known major interactions, but because it has a 'cooling' nature, avoiding excessive stimulants is recommended for best results.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile

While generally safe when used correctly, caution is advised:

Blood Thinners: Paeonia moutan can have mild blood-thinning effects. Avoid if you are on anticoagulants (like Warfarin) or preparing for surgery.
Pregnancy: Do not use. It may stimulate uterine contractions.
Allergies: Those allergic to peonies or other plants in the Paeoniaceae family should avoid it.
Side Effects: High doses may cause dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness.

Scientific References

[1]Zhang, L., et al. (2019). 'Paeonol: A review of its pharmacology.' *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*.
[2]Li, Y., et al. (2020). 'Therapeutic potential of Paeonia moutan in inflammatory diseases.' *Frontiers in Pharmacology*.
[3]Chen, X., et al. (2018). 'TCM formula containing Moutan Cortex for menopausal symptoms.' *Menopause: The North American Menopause Society*.