Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese peony
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
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 often included in herbal formulas intended to "clear heat," "dispel stagnation," and "nourish the blood." Swollen lymph nodes are interpreted in TCM as manifestations of "phlegm," "heat toxicity," or blood stagnation, and peony root (Bai Shao) is sometimes used as part of multi-herb remedies to address these underlying patterns. However, its direct use specifically for "swollen glands" is more circumstantial than focused. Chinese peony is reputed for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in traditional practice, which could, in theory, support the reduction of swelling and inflammation in lymph nodes.
From a scientific standpoint, there is preliminary evidence that Chinese peony and its constituents (such as paeoniflorin) have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, but there are no clinical studies directly evaluating its effect on swollen lymph nodes in humans. The traditional use is therefore only partially aligned with modern scientific understanding, and evidence for its effectiveness in this particular indication is weak. Most usage for this purpose is rooted in traditional herbal combinations rather than robust clinical data. Thus, while the historical and traditional basis exists, scientific validation is lacking for the specific claim of supporting or treating swollen lymph glands.
Other ingredients used for Glands (swollen lymph)
betelIndian frankincense
bovine
burdock
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fu ling
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
spruce
oregon grape
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
chickweed
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
swertia
peony
goldenrod
myrrh
fern
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
cleavers
paw paw
white oak
geranium
Aralia
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Allicin
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Black root
Bupleurum
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cajuput
Centipeda
cypress
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dipsacus
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Fuchsia
Fang-Feng
Ficus simplicissima
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Garlic
Galium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Galangal
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heartsease
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
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