Łódź, Botanical Garden

Native to central and eastern Asia from eastern Tibet across northern China to eastern Siberia; widely cultivated in gardens. Ornamental plant. Bees feeding plant. Edible plant - roots cooked and eaten in a broth; stems cooked; seeds powdered and mixed with tea. Herbal plant - roots are alterative, analgesic, anodyne, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, carminative, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, nervine and tonic; has been shown to have a strong antispasmodic effect on mammalian intestines, it also reduces blood pressure, reduces body temperature caused by fever and protects against stress ulcers; it is taken internally in the treatment of menstrual disorders, injuries, high blood pressure, pre-menstrual tension and liver disorders; it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified practitioner and should not be prescribed for pregnant women; a tea made from the dried crushed petals of various peony species has been used as a cough remedy, and as a treatment for haemorrhoids and varicose veins; see also Paeonia officinalis.