Peony Outer Bark
Constituents of Paeonia emodi
The tubers of the plant contain essential oil. Salicylaldehyde is the chief component of the root essential oil.
Mixture of n-alkanes, beta-amyrin, butyrospermol, cycloartenol, lupeol, 24-methylenecycloartenol, cholesterol, campesterol, sitosterol;octanoic, decanoic, lauric, myristic, myristoleic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic acids, and ethyl gallate are present in root oil.
European species, Paeonia officinalis, roots, and seeds contain a toxic alkaloid. This alkaloid is stated to produce contraction of the renal capillaries, and increase the coagulability of the blood.
Important Medicinal Properties
Paeonia emodi is rich in medicinal properties. The understanding of these properties will help us to better utilize this herb. These also indicate the conditions in which we should avoid it. For example it is Uterocontractant, and hence should not be used in pregnancy.
Below is given medicinal properties along with the meaning.
Anticonvulsant: Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or other convulsions.
Antitumor: inhibit growth of tumor.
Antiulcer: Tending to prevent or heal ulcers.
Anticonvulsant: Prevent or reduce the severity of epileptic fits or other convulsions.
Anti–testosterone: Lowers male hormone Testosterone.
CNS depressing: depression of the central nervous system that can result in decreased rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
Diuretic: Promoting excretion of urine/agent that increases the amount of urine excreted.
Depurative: Purifying agent.
Hepatoprotective: Prevent damage to the liver.
Hypotensive: Lowers blood pressure.
Hypothermic: Lowers body temperature.
Utero-contractant: Contracts womb.
Medicinal Uses of Paeonia emodi or Himalayan Peony
Himalayan Peony is a medicinal plant, and for medicinal purpose its roots, flowers, and leaves are used. The tuberous roots of the plant are highly esteemed as a medicine for uterine diseases, colic, bilious obstructions, dropsy, epilepsy, convulsions, hysteria, and in nervous affections.
Paeonia emodi Root powder mixed with Selinum vaginatum root powder is given ½ teaspoon twice a day up to 6 months for the treatment of hysteria, convulsion, and epilepsy.
The root powder of Paeonia emodi, Acorus calamus, and Selinum vaginatum are mixed, and given in a dose of half teaspoon twice a day for hysteria, and epilepsy.
The shade dried Leaves washed with hot water thrice, and then used as vegetable twice a day for the treatment of colic, blood dysentery, diabetes, and urinary complaints.
It is generally given to children as a blood-purifier.
The flowers have anti-diarrheal properties. The infusion of the dried flowers is highly valued as a remedy for diarrhea.
The roots are used to cure backache, and dropsy.
It is also used improve lactation, and treat menstrual problems.