Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese peony
For the health condition: Chest Pain
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora) has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as "Bai Shao." It is commonly included in herbal formulations aimed at managing various types of pain, including chest pain (often referred to in TCM as "xiong bi" or "chest impediment"). According to TCM theory, chest pain can be caused by stagnation of Qi (vital energy) and blood, and Chinese peony is believed to "nourish the blood" and "relieve pain by soothing the liver" and promoting circulation. Historical texts such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing" and subsequent materia medica describe its use for these purposes.
However, scientific validation for the efficacy of Chinese peony in treating chest pain specifically is limited. While some pharmacological studies suggest that compounds within Chinese peony (such as paeoniflorin) have anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects, direct clinical evidence for its use in chest pain, particularly that caused by angina or heart disease, is lacking. Most modern studies focus on its effects for other indications, such as dysmenorrhea or autoimmune conditions. Therefore, while its traditional use for chest pain is well documented, rigorous scientific validation is minimal, resulting in a low rating for evidence.
Other ingredients used for Chest Pain
allspicebasil
betel
clove
turmeric
fish oil
garlic bulb
ginger
hawthorn
magnesium
pear
plantain
pomegranate
rhizome
rosemary
scrophularia root
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xanthium (cockleburs)
mugwort
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
pistacia integerrima gall
commiphora
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
lingusticum wallichii
siler root
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
menthol oil
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Anamu
Aconite
Ajuga
Adrenergic amines
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Arani
Arisaema
Bidens pilosa
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Dianthus
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
Euphorbia
European-Five Finger Grass
Ficus simplicissima
Gnaphalium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by Chinese peony
Abdominal PainAmenorrhea
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Dysmenorrhea
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Fever
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia