Peony - White Peony Product Overview

Peony, also known as White Peony, is a significant Chinese herbal medicine. Its main components include flavonoids, volatile oils, and terpenoid compounds. White Peony comes from the rhizomes of the peony plant, processed through drying or used fresh. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its effects on blood circulation, heat-clearing, blood cooling, and blood nourishment. Typical uses include treating dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, hematological conditions, abscesses, and ulcers. With a cold nature, it is particularly suited for conditions related to the liver, spleen, and lung meridians. As a safe and effective herb with a long history of use, White Peony is highly regarded by both the medical community and the public.

Peony - White Peony Key Active Components

White Peony is a vital Chinese medicinal herb, with its key active components including flavonoids, volatile oils, and terpenoid compounds.

  1. Flavonoids: Rich in flavonoid compounds like paeoniflorin and isoflavone glycosides, which exhibit strong antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
  2. Volatile Oils: These aromatic oils, comprising alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, have a distinctive fragrance and help regulate the nervous system, alleviating anxiety and tension.
  3. Terpenoid Compounds: Includes paeoniflorin and ferulic acid, known for their abilities to improve blood circulation, nourish the blood, and stop bleeding, often used for dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, and postpartum hemorrhage.
  4. Other Chemical Components: Contains tannins and polysaccharides that contribute to its pharmacological effects, though their specific mechanisms require further study.

In summary, the main active components of White Peony have diverse pharmacological effects, including promoting blood circulation, clearing heat, cooling blood, nourishing blood, and providing antioxidant benefits, making it a widely used and reliable herb in TCM.

Peony - White Peony Applications and Dosage

White Peony serves as a crucial herbal medicine with broad applications in TCM and the food industry. Below are key areas of application and recommended dosages:

In Traditional Chinese Medicine:

  1. Promoting Blood Circulation: Treats conditions like dysmenorrhea, postpartum blood stasis, and trauma-related injuries. Commonly used as decoctions, pills, or powders in doses of 9–15g.
  2. Clearing Heat and Cooling Blood: Alleviates symptoms from heat-related diseases and blood heat, such as abscesses or oral ulcers. Common forms include decoctions or pills, with dosages of 6–12g.
  3. Nourishing Blood and Stopping Bleeding: Addresses hemorrhagic conditions like heavy menstruation, rectal bleeding, or nosebleeds. Dosage ranges from 6–15g, adjusted for individual conditions.
  4. Regulating Menstruation and Relieving Pain: Effective for menstrual disorders and dysmenorrhea, often used in compound formulations. Dosage is generally 6–15g.

In the Food Industry:

  1. Medicinal Cuisine: Used in therapeutic dishes to support blood health and overall vitality. Recommended in small quantities for dietary use.
  2. Health Supplements: Incorporated into products like oral liquids or capsules. Usage should follow professional guidance to avoid overconsumption.
  3. Food Additives: Active extracts from White Peony enhance the nutritional and medicinal value of foods, with careful control of additive levels to meet safety standards.

White Peony’s applications in both medicine and food highlight its versatility and potential, but proper dosage and compliance with regulatory standards are crucial.

Peony - White Peony Plant Source, Distribution, and Growth Conditions

Plant Source:

White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Ranunculaceae family. It has a robust root system with thick, cylindrical roots, upright stems, palmate compound leaves with toothed edges, and large, fragrant white flowers blooming in April and May.

Distribution:

Native to China, White Peony is primarily found in northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions, particularly in Hebei, Shandong, Henan, and Shaanxi provinces. It is also cultivated in Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia.

Growth Conditions:

  1. Climate: Thrives in warm, humid climates with ample sunlight and moderate air moisture; moderately cold-tolerant.
  2. Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained loamy soil with slight acidity.
  3. Growth Habit: Commonly grows on hillsides, forest edges, and grassy slopes, favoring shady, moist environments.
  4. Propagation: Propagated primarily by division or seeds. Division is best during the growing season, while sowing is suitable in spring (March–April).

White Peony thrives in favorable climates and soil conditions across its native range and neighboring regions.

Peony - White Peony Harvesting, Processing, and Storage

Harvesting:

  1. Timing: Typically harvested in autumn (September–October) after flowering when the above-ground parts wither.
  2. Method: Roots are carefully dug with tools like shovels to preserve their integrity, minimizing damage to ensure high-quality material.

Processing:

  1. Cleaning: Wash harvested roots thoroughly to remove soil and debris.
  2. Drying: Air-dry in a ventilated area until all surface moisture evaporates.
  3. Cutting: Slice the dried roots into smaller pieces or sections as needed for subsequent use.

Storage:

  1. Moisture Prevention: Store in a dry, ventilated place to prevent mold and dampness.
  2. Sealed Storage: Use airtight containers to block air and moisture.
  3. Light Protection: Avoid direct sunlight by storing in shaded areas or using opaque coverings.
  4. Regular Checks: Inspect periodically for signs of mold or spoilage; discard compromised materials.
  5. Temperature Control: Maintain stable temperatures to preserve potency and quality.

Proper harvesting, processing, and storage are essential to maintaining the efficacy and quality of White Peony as a medicinal material.

FacebookXRedditPinterestEmailLinkedInWhatsApp