Paeonia lactiflora

White Peony

Paeoniaceae

Evidence: LimitedCaffeine Free ChinaWomen's WellnessRelaxationVitality Traditions

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Identity

Common Name: White Peony
Scientific Name: Paeonia lactiflora
Botanical Family: Paeoniaceae
Native Region: China
Cultivation Regions: China, Japan, Korea
Plant Parts Used: Root
Synonyms: Bai Shao, Chinese Peony, White Peony Root
Caffeine Level: Caffeine Free

An elegant perennial 60-100 cm tall with divided compound leaves and large showy bowl-shaped flowers of many layered white petals around a bright yellow stamen center; the thick tuberous root is medicinal.

Historical Background

White peony (bai shao) has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over two millennia, especially for women's health, where it nourishes Blood and softens pain. Often paired with dong quai in classic formulas, its root is simmered into gentle, slightly floral decoctions.

Earliest recorded uses: Recorded in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (~2000 years ago); a pillar of TCM gynecology, often paired with Dong Quai.

Traditional preparations:

Root decoction
Women's formula with Dong Quai
Calming tea with licorice

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Nourishes Blood, softens the Liver, relieves pain; premier women's herb.

Modern Herbalism

Women's, pain, and nervous-system tonic.

Flavor & Aroma

FloralSweetSlightly BitterEarthy

Aroma: Floral, sweet, slightly bitter, earthy

Tea Information

Suitable for Tea

Yes

Preparation Methods

Decoction

Steeping Temperature

200°F (93°C)

Steeping Time

10-15 minutes simmer (decoction)

Recommended Vessel

Saucepan (decoction)

Blends Well With

Dong Quai, Jujube, Goji Berry, Rose, Licorice Root

200°F (93°C) 10-15 minutes simmer (decoction)

Safety & Cautions

Contraindications

Avoid in pregnancy, bleeding disorders, and hormone-sensitive conditions. Discontinue before surgery; caution with anticoagulants and hormonal therapy.

Drug Interactions

May enhance bleeding with anticoagulants; may affect blood sugar and blood pressure; theoretical hormonal effects; consult a clinician.

Pregnancy

Avoid medicinal doses.

Children

Mild decoctions acceptable in small amounts.

Allergies

Possible in those sensitive to Paeoniaceae; rare.

Known Adverse Effects

Generally well tolerated; mild GI upset or dizziness possible. Rare contact sensitivity.

Research Summary

Evidence Level: Limited

White peony has a long TCM tradition for women's health, pain, and nervous-system soothing. Clinical evidence is limited; preclinical work suggests anti-inflammatory and possible hormonal effects, but it is not a treatment for menstrual pain, infertility, or any disease.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources

NCCIH · Peony (2023)
PubMed · Paeonia lactiflora review (2019)

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