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

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Synopsis

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

Peony (Paeonia spp.), particularly its root, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various digestive complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). In TCM, peony root is believed to have properties that "soothe the liver," "regulate qi," and alleviate pain, which are considered relevant for conditions presenting with symptoms like abdominal discomfort, bloating, or poor digestion. Formulations containing peony, such as the well-known "Shao Yao San" (Peony Powder) or "Xiao Yao San" (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), are commonly prescribed for digestive disturbances, often in combination with other herbs. Despite its established place in traditional medicine, there is limited modern scientific evidence specifically linking peony or its active constituents to clinical improvement in dyspepsia. A few laboratory studies suggest that peony extracts may have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects, which could theoretically benefit gastrointestinal symptoms. However, robust human clinical trials are lacking, and thus scientific validation remains weak. Most support for its use in dyspepsia derives from centuries of traditional use rather than contemporary pharmacological research. As such, while peony remains a popular herb in traditional systems for digestive issues, its efficacy for dyspepsia is best regarded as tradition-based, with only modest supporting evidence.

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cutch
allspice
aloe vera
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apple
artichoke
barberry
basil
myrobalan
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betel
bilberry
black pepper
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rice
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dandelion
fennel
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goldenseal
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mustard seed
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peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
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sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
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boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
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hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
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Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
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Asafoetida
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
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Asam gelugor
Angostura
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Agrimonia pilosa
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Abuta
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Arisaema
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