Evidence supporting the use of: Peony
For the health condition: Colds (prevention)

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Synopsis

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

Peony (Paeonia spp.), particularly the root (often called "Bai Shao" or "Chi Shao" in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal medicine. It is commonly included in multi-herb formulations intended to support the body's defenses and balance during colds and other respiratory illnesses. Traditional texts describe peony as having properties that "nourish the blood," "harmonize the liver," and "soften and moderate spasms," which are believed to help the body cope with fever, chills, and muscle aches often accompanying colds. Peony is rarely used alone for colds; rather, it appears as part of compound formulas such as "Gui Zhi Tang," which is used to harmonize the body's response to viral illnesses. Scientific validation for peony's efficacy in cold prevention or treatment is limited. Some laboratory studies indicate that peony root extracts possess anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, potentially helping the body respond to infection. However, these effects have not been robustly demonstrated in human clinical trials specifically for prevention or treatment of the common cold. Thus, while peony enjoys a strong traditional rationale and some plausible biological mechanisms, the direct evidence supporting its use for colds is weak, warranting a low (2/5) evidence rating. Current use is best understood as rooted in tradition rather than strong scientific proof.

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