Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese peony
For the health condition: Colic (adults)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries, primarily for its purported effects on liver health, menstrual disorders, and pain relief. In the context of colic in adults—often understood as severe abdominal pain or cramping—Chinese peony is traditionally included in herbal formulas aimed at relieving abdominal pain and spasms. One of the most well-known combinations is "Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang" (Peony and Licorice Decoction), which is used to alleviate muscle spasms and pain, including abdominal discomfort.
However, scientific studies specifically investigating Chinese peony or its main active component, paeoniflorin, for the treatment of adult colic are scarce. Most available research focuses on its antispasmodic effects in animal models or its broader anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These mechanisms could, in theory, be relevant to colic, but well-designed clinical trials in adults with colic are lacking. Thus, while its use is deeply rooted in tradition and supported by some pharmacological rationale, robust scientific evidence in the context of adult colic is minimal. Overall, its application for this condition is justified primarily by traditional practice rather than strong clinical research.
Other ingredients used for Colic (adults)
activated charcoalallspice
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
black pepper
bасора
carrot
chamomile
turmeric
fennel
garlic bulb
ginger
licorice root
parsley
pomegranate
mugwort
nut grass
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
blackboard tree
swertia
boxthorne
buckthorn
caraway
Alcohol
Agastache
Anthraquinone
Angelica
Amomum
Asafoetida
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agarwood
Angostura
Arisaema
Bermuda Grass
Bryonia
Bishop's Weed
Belleric myrobalan
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bitter principals
Cowherb
Carvone
Chenopodium
Chirata
Colocynth
cola nut
Galangal
Sumac
Other health conditions supported by Chinese peony
Abdominal PainAmenorrhea
Anemia
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Chest Pain
Chills
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Dysmenorrhea
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endometriosis
Fever
Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hot Flashes
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia