Evidence supporting the use of: Peony (unspecified)
For the health condition: Headache (tension)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Peony (most commonly referring to Paeonia lactiflora or Paeonia suffruticosa) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for various ailments, including headache, particularly those with a tension or “liver wind” component. In TCM theory, peony is believed to nourish the blood, soothe the liver, and alleviate pain, making it a common ingredient in herbal formulas such as Shaoyao San and Chuanxiong Cha Tiao San, which are prescribed for headache relief. However, scientific studies directly evaluating peony’s efficacy for tension headaches are lacking. Most available research focuses on peony’s general anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, as well as its use in combination formulas for menstrual or migraine-related pain. There is limited clinical evidence supporting its specific benefit for tension-type headaches, with only preclinical studies suggesting muscle relaxant and antispasmodic effects. Thus, while traditional usage is strong and persistent, scientific validation for peony’s use in tension headache is weak, and the evidence is largely indirect.
More about Peony (unspecified)
More about Headache (tension)
Other ingredients used for Headache (tension)
ashwagandhawaterhyssop
black cumin
Indian frankincense
chamomile
cucumber
turmeric
turmeric
feverfew
ginger
greek mountain tea
kudzu
lavender
lemon
licorice root
magnesium
moringa
passionflower
passionflower
peppermint oil
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
sage
schizonepeta
triphala
chickweed
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
commiphora
blackboard tree
peony
lingusticum wallichii
morus
chrysanthemum
wintergreen
menthol oil
aster root
cayenne pepper
Avens
Agastache
Angelica
Asarum heterotropoides
Albizia
Aconite
Aerva lanata
Anemone
Acetylsalicylic acid
Amor seco
Atractylone
Black Seed
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Bael
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Black willow
black salt
Bombax
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Black Hellebore
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cinquefoil
Citron
Cajuput
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Centipeda
Corydalis
Carthamus
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
DIVI-DIVI
Dragonhead
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Galangal
Lotus
Mustard
Mallow
Poppy
Sandalwood
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Peony (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAmenorrhea
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bleeding (external)
Bleeding (internal)
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (general)
Cramps (menstrual)
Depression
Dermatitis
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Indigestion