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

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Synopsis

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

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora and related species) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), for the management of hemorrhoids. In TCM, peony root (often referred to as “Bai Shao” or “Chi Shao” depending on the species and preparation) is believed to “cool the blood,” reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Hemorrhoids are considered to involve “heat” and “blood stasis” in TCM theory, and peony is one of several herbs incorporated into multi-ingredient formulas to address these imbalances. Historical texts and contemporary herbal practice guides frequently list peony as a component of such remedies.

However, the scientific validation for peony’s efficacy in treating hemorrhoids is limited. While peony contains active constituents like paeoniflorin, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in laboratory studies, there is little direct clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for hemorrhoids in humans. Most modern research on peony focuses on its use for other conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and menstrual pain. Therefore, while its traditional use is well-established and plausibly justified by its pharmacological actions, peony’s use for hemorrhoids has not yet been rigorously validated in clinical trials.

In summary, peony is traditionally used to support the treatment of hemorrhoids, with modest evidence based on historical precedent and potential anti-inflammatory properties, but lacks strong scientific validation for this specific indication.

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