Evidence supporting the use of: European peony
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
European peony (Paeonia officinalis) has a long history of use in traditional European herbal medicine, particularly for women's health issues such as menstrual discomfort and symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Historical texts and folk medicine sources from Europe describe the use of peony root and preparations to ease menstrual cramps, regulate the menstrual cycle, and alleviate mood disturbances linked to PMS. Its traditional uses are thought to be due to its mild antispasmodic and sedative properties, as well as its potential influence on hormonal balance.
However, scientific validation for the use of European peony specifically for PMS symptoms is limited. While some studies have examined Paeonia lactiflora, a related species commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (often in combination with Glycyrrhiza uralensis, or licorice, in formulas like Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang), there is little direct clinical research on Paeonia officinalis for PMS. The evidence rating is therefore moderate for traditional use (2), but low for scientific support for this specific indication. Most of the rationale for its inclusion in PMS support comes from its historical use and extrapolation from studies on other peony species, rather than robust human clinical trials on European peony itself.
Other ingredients used for PMS (general)
ashwagandhabeet
black cohosh
borage oil
bupleurum falcatum
calcium
chamomile
chaste tree
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
flaxseed
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
green tea
inositol
jujube
kudzu
licorice root
lignans
liquid liver fractions
maca
magnesium
motherwort
pollen
quail egg
relora® (proprietary)
sage
soybean
valerian root
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
bee pollen
lingusticum wallichii
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
peach
27-deoxyactein
Alchemilla
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Acetylsalicylic acid
Agnuside
Ashoka
Borage
banana
Cohosh
Calendula
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cyathula
Chocolate
Dong Quai
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Lotus
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by European peony
ArthritisBackache
Bruises (healing)
Cramps (menstrual)
Cramps and Spasms
Depression
Dysmenorrhea
Fatigue
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
PMS Type A
PMS Type C
PMS Type D
PMS Type H
PMS Type P
PMS Type S
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Stress
Wounds and Sores