The medicinal peony is a plant species belonging to the peony family. There are about 35 species of peonies in the world! The best known are tree peony, bush peony, Witmann peony, Chinese peony or medicinal peony. Medicinal peony has healing properties. Find out what its use is and what the cultivation of a medical peony looks like. Is the peony poisonous?

Medicinal peony( Paeonia officinalis ) is a fairly popular decorative flower. It comes from southern and eastern Europe. It grows in a natural environment between France and Albania. Many people grow peonies in their gardens. Few, however, realize that this beautiful flower also has healing properties.

Contents:

  1. Medicinal peony - what does it look like?
  2. Medicinal peony - healing properties
  3. Medicinal peony for bladder
  4. Medicinal peony for skin
  5. Medical peony for nervous system
  6. Medicinal peony for digestive system
  7. Peony for heart
  8. Medicinal peony - cultivation
  9. Medicinal peony - application
  10. Peony tincture
  11. Peony decoction
  12. Peony infusion
  13. Is the peony poisonous?
  14. Medicinal peony - contraindications
Worth knowing

Medicinal peony is a long-lived plant. It can live for several dozen or even a hundred years!

Medicinal peony - what does it look like?

The peony grows to a height of approx. 70-90 cm. Its leaves are bright green and shiny, triple-shaped. Peony roots are bulbous. The medicinal peony is famous for its beautiful, large and spreading flowers. They are most often pink, red or deep purple in color. They can also be white.

Medicinal peony - healing properties

The healing properties of peonies are shown by both the root and the flowers. They are rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins (peonin), phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids and starch. They also contain magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron and chromium.

Peonies have diuretic properties. In addition, they also act as a diastolic and improve digestion. It has a positive effect on the heart, therefore it is recommended in the case of coronary artery disease. They also showsedative effect. Medicinal peony also has a positive effect on the skin. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Medicinal peony for bladder

Medicinal peony has diuretic properties. For this reason, it can support the treatment of urinary tract infections, especially cystitis and kidney stones.

Medicinal peony for skin

Peony can also be applied externally to the skin. Medicinal peony has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it supports the treatment of atopic and acne skin. It also soothes irritations. Peony infusion compresses will bring relief to tired eyes.

Peony infusion compresses can also be used in the case of rheumatic pains.

Medicinal peony for digestive system

Medicinal peony, thanks to its magnesium content, also has a positive effect on the nervous system. It soothes neuralgia and epilepsy symptoms. It also has a calming and relaxing effect. Peony decoction is worth consuming in stressful situations and nervous states.

Medicinal peony for digestive system

Medicinal peony is worth using in cases of problems with the digestive system. Supports the work of the stomach and liver and accelerates intestinal peristalsis and helps with indigestion.

Peony for heart

Medicinal peony has a diastolic effect. It helps to support the work of the heart and prevents its diseases. It helps to lower blood pressure and improves circulation.

Medicinal peony - cultivation

Medicinal peony grows best in fertile, slightly loamy but not too wet soils. Likes a sunny position. Peonies are mainly planted in small groups, although you can also plant them individually. The flowering period of peonies is in May. In order for the peony to bloom beautifully, it must be fertilized regularly. The best fertilizers for peonies are natural fertilizers: compost or well-fermented manure.

Peonies bloom in May, which is why they are colloquially called picnics.

Peony tolerates heavy rains poorly, because wet flowers become heavy under the influence of water and may result in breakage of delicate stems or leaves.

Worth knowing

Peony flowers are usually harvested in June. Dry them at room temperature, preferably in a shaded place. On the other hand, the roots of a medical peony should be dug out in spring or autumn. They can be dried in a slightly preheated oven.

Medicinal peony - application

Peonies are used primarily as an ornamental plant. They are planted in home gardens, decorating them with their beautiful flowers.

Thanks to its healing properties, the medicinal peony has found supporters of methods of treatment and prevention based on plant ingredients - it is used primarily in the form of medicinal infusions, tinctures and decoctions.

Peony has also found its use in the kitchen as an addition and decoration to desserts, cakes and drinks.

Cut peonies can last up to 10 days in water!

Peony tincture

Peony tincture is easy to make.

Just 100 g of roots (they can be fresh or dry) pour 500 ml of alcohol.

The solution prepared in this way should be left for two weeks, and then filtered through gauze.

Peony decoction

Pour 150 ml of water into a few grams of shredded roots. The mixture should be boiled for about 15 minutes and then strained.

Peony infusion

Pour about 300 ml of boiling water over a small handful of crushed flowers. The infusion should be covered and set aside for about 30 minutes. to brew. After draining, it is ready to eat.

The herbal raw material of peonies are seeds, flowers and roots.

Is the peony poisonous?

Peony, despite its healing properties, is also a poisonous plant. So be especially careful when consuming it.

You should not try to treat with peony on your own - it's best to consult a doctor when using tinctures, infusions or decoctions. Overdosing on medical peony can lead to poisoning!

Medicinal peony - contraindications

Peony in various forms should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also inadvisable to use peony during menstruation.

Read also about other plants with healing properties:

  • Pansy or violet tricolor
  • Lily of the valley
  • Malwa
  • Mullein

Category:

Alternative medicine