White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) root has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is often included in formulas for women’s health, particularly to address symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and irritability. In TCM, White Peony is believed to nourish the blood and regulate the liver, thereby helping to balance hormonal fluctuations thought to underlie menopausal symptoms. Formulas like “Xiao Yao San” or “Jia Wei Xiao Yao San” commonly feature White Peony alongside other herbs for these purposes.

However, the scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of White Peony for hot flashes is limited and of low quality. While some animal and in vitro studies suggest that compounds in White Peony may have estrogen-like or anti-inflammatory effects, there are no robust, well-controlled clinical trials demonstrating efficacy for hot flashes in humans. Most clinical research focuses on multi-herb formulas rather than White Peony alone, making it difficult to isolate its effects. Thus, its use for hot flashes is justified primarily by traditional practice rather than scientific validation.