Evidence supporting the use of: Peony
For the health condition: Cholera

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Peony (Paeonia spp.) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese herbal practices, where it is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and pain-relieving properties. In the context of cholera—a severe diarrheal illness caused by Vibrio cholerae—peony was sometimes included in multi-herb formulations used to manage symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts from the 16th to 19th centuries mention peony (often as "Bai Shao" or "Chi Shao") as part of prescriptions for dysenteric or cholera-like disorders, primarily as a means to "nourish the blood" and "soothe the liver," which were believed to be disrupted in cases of severe gastrointestinal illness. However, there is limited direct historical documentation that peony alone was considered a primary treatment for cholera. More often, it was used as an adjunct herb within complex formulations. There is little to no modern scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of peony in treating or preventing cholera specifically; most contemporary studies focus on its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in other conditions. As such, its use for cholera is justified mainly by tradition, with minimal scientific validation, and should not be considered a substitute for proven treatments like oral rehydration therapy or antibiotics.

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