European peony (Paeonia officinalis) has a history of use in traditional European herbal medicine for a variety of women’s health complaints, including menstrual disorders. Regarding PMS Type C (characterized by symptoms such as cravings and increased appetite, often linked to carbohydrate metabolism and mild hypoglycemia), traditional herbalists have sometimes recommended peony for menstrual irregularities and emotional symptoms. However, most of the traditional usage documentation references general menstrual discomfort, spasms, or pain rather than the specific symptom cluster of PMS Type C.

The root of European peony contains compounds like paeoniflorin, which have demonstrated mild antispasmodic and sedative effects in some laboratory studies, but these are not directly linked to the regulation of blood sugar or cravings. Most of the more robust scientific research on peony for women’s health pertains to Paeonia lactiflora (Chinese peony), often in combination with other herbs in formulas such as Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, and these studies focus on conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), not PMS Type C.

In summary, the use of European peony for PMS Type C is supported primarily by traditional practice, with little to no direct scientific evidence for efficacy in this specific context. The evidence is modest and primarily anecdotal, so it receives a low rating.