Peony, particularly Paeonia lactiflora (commonly known as white peony), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to support women's reproductive health, including the health of the ovaries. In TCM, peony root (often called Bai Shao) is used to "nourish the blood," "regulate menstruation," and alleviate symptoms associated with menstrual disorders such as irregular periods, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Peony is frequently combined with other herbs, such as licorice root, in formulas like Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, which are traditionally prescribed to address gynecological complaints.

Scientific research on peony's effects on ovarian function is limited but suggestive. Some laboratory and animal studies have indicated that peony extracts may have anti-androgenic effects and can influence hormone regulation, which is relevant in conditions like PCOS. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans are scarce, and most of the contemporary support for peony's use in ovarian health comes from its long-standing traditional use rather than robust scientific validation. As such, while there is a strong traditional basis for using peony to support the ovaries, more rigorous scientific studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and clarify its mechanisms of action.