Evidence supporting the use of: White Peony
For the health condition: Dysmenorrhea
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Paeonia lactiflora, commonly known as White Peony, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly in the treatment of gynecological disorders such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). In TCM, White Peony is believed to "nourish the blood" and "regulate menstruation," often used in classic formulations such as Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction) for alleviating menstrual cramps and spasms.
Modern scientific research into White Peony’s efficacy for dysmenorrhea remains limited. A few preclinical studies suggest Paeonia lactiflora extracts and its primary active component, paeoniflorin, may have anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, which could theoretically contribute to relieving menstrual pain. Some small clinical studies, mostly from China, have evaluated formulas containing White Peony in combination with other herbs and reported improvements in dysmenorrhea symptoms. However, these studies often lack methodological rigor, have small sample sizes, and rarely isolate the effects of White Peony itself.
Overall, the use of White Peony for dysmenorrhea is primarily justified by a strong tradition, with some preliminary but inconclusive scientific evidence. Well-designed, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and clarify its mechanisms of action.
Other ingredients used for Dysmenorrhea
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)black cohosh
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fish oil
ginger
magnesium
motherwort
omega-3 fatty acids
parsley
passionflower
peppermint oil
phytocannabinoids
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
gastrodia
anise
peony
dioscorea
trichosanthes
shepherd's purse
Avens
Ambergris
Angelica
Achyranthes
Anamu
Albizia
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Actaea spicata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Arisaema
Blue Cohosh
Blepharis
Boswellia
Bethroot
Boerhavia diffusa
Cohosh
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cyathula
Corydalis
Didymocarpus
Dong Quai
Erythropalum scandens
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Euphorbia
Pennyroyal
Poppy
Other health conditions supported by White Peony
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Depression
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Dysmenorrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Energy (lack of)
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritability
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Jaundice (adults)