- Peony root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Peony flowers are also used medicinally, for example, in cough syrups and in herbal teas. In combination with other herbs, peony has been used to treat a wide variety of health conditions, including menstrual problems, kidney problems, pulmonary heart disease, uterine fibroids, and pneumonia. Peony has been applied to the skin to prevent wrinkles and has been taken by mouth to treat pulmonary heart disease and liver problems caused by chronic hepatitis.
- There is good scientific evidence of an effect of peony in the treatment of pulmonary heart disease. There is also a growing body of research on TCM formulas containing peony for women's health conditions including menstrual problems, uterine fibroids, hormone regulation, and heart disease prevention. Higher quality studies are needed before a firm recommendation can be made.