Evidence supporting the use of: Tree Peony
For the health condition: PMS (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) root bark, known as "Mu Dan Pi" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries as part of various herbal formulas to address gynecological conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Traditionally, it is believed to "cool the blood," move stagnant blood, and regulate menstruation, which aligns with TCM concepts of treating menstrual discomfort and mood disturbances associated with PMS. Tree Peony is often combined with other herbs, notably in the classic formula Xiao Yao San, which is widely prescribed for symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and abdominal discomfort related to PMS. However, direct scientific evidence supporting Tree Peony's efficacy for PMS is limited. While some studies have investigated the formula Xiao Yao San (which contains Tree Peony among several other herbs) and reported modest improvements in PMS symptoms, it is difficult to isolate the effects of Tree Peony itself. A few pharmacological studies suggest that compounds in Tree Peony may have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which could theoretically benefit PMS symptoms, but these findings are preliminary and largely based on animal or in vitro models. Thus, the use of Tree Peony for PMS is justified primarily by traditional use, with only limited scientific exploration and validation to date.
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 Tree Peony
Abdominal PainArthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Circulation (poor)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Eczema
Emotional Sensitivity
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (tension)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritability
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Migraine
Nausea and Vomiting
Nervousness
Neuralgia and Neuritis
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Restless Leg Syndrome