Evidence supporting the use of: Peony
For the health condition: Grief and Sadness

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Peony (Paeonia spp.) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and other herbal traditions, where it is often employed to "soothe the liver," "nourish the blood," and support emotional balance. In TCM philosophy, emotional states such as grief and sadness are sometimes linked to disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, particularly in the liver organ system. White peony root (Paeonia lactiflora), known as "Bai Shao," is thought to have calming properties and is included in classic herbal formulas designed to alleviate mood disturbances, irritability, and emotional distress. The use of peony for grief and sadness is thus justified mainly by tradition and is not based on modern scientific research directly targeting these emotional states.

A handful of modern studies have explored peony's potential neuroprotective and anti-anxiety effects, but these generally focus on related symptoms such as anxiety or depression, not specifically on grief or sadness. While some active compounds in peony (such as paeoniflorin) have shown promise in animal models for modulating neurotransmitters and reducing depressive-like behaviors, clinical trials in humans are limited. Therefore, the evidence rating is relatively low, as the use for grief and sadness is supported primarily by traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation.

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