Evidence supporting the use of: Peony
For the health condition: Chills

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other East Asian herbal systems. Its use to treat or support conditions described as "chills" is rooted in traditional concepts of balancing the body's energies, such as "warming the meridians" or "dispelling cold." In TCM, chills are seen as a symptom of "wind-cold" invasion or blood deficiency, and peony is often included in classic formulas like Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction), which is indicated for muscle spasms and pain that may accompany chills. However, the term "chills" in TCM does not correspond exactly to the Western biomedical symptom, and peony is not specifically targeted at chills per se, but rather at the underlying imbalances believed to cause them.

Scientific evidence for peony's efficacy in treating chills specifically is lacking. Most modern research focuses on its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and analgesic properties, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or menstrual cramps. There are no high-quality clinical trials that directly support the use of peony for chills as understood in Western medicine (e.g., shivering due to fever or infection). Thus, while its use is justified by tradition, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for chills is minimal.

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