Peony

Paeonia is a genus of largely herbaceous perennial flowers in the Paeoniaceae family, native to temperate and cold areas of the Northern Hemisphere; their territory ranges from  southern  Europe, through the Mediterranean, across Asia, and the far east of Russia. The genus consists of anywhere between 25 and 40 recognized species- of which 35 to 45 are still considered “wild”. Unfortunately,  wild Peonies are far from actually being common; roughly half of them are microregionally found, and many of their statuses are considered threatened.

The largest concentration of these species occur in the Mediterranean region, with the second largest distribution occurring in eastern areas of Asia. The most commonly distributed species, however, is the Chinese Peony (Paeonia Lactiflora)- which is native to central and eastern Asia, ranging from eastern Tibet across northern China, all the way to eastern Siberia. It has been cultivated as an ornamental plant in China since at least the 7th century, with many cultivars being formally recognized by the Song Dynasty (960 to 1270 C.E). They were used for additional culinary and medical applications across Asia- including in Japan after their introduction in the Heian period (794 to 1185 C.E).

Paeonia Lactiflora wasn’t introduced to England until around the mid 18th century to early 19th century, however. Prior to its introduction to Europe, only the Native European Peony- Paeonia Officinalis, or the Common Garden Peony- was cultivated; Native to Spain, northern Portugal, southern France, Italy, Switzerland, western Romania, the Balkan peninsula, and possibly northern Greece, Paeonia Officinalis was originally cultivated for its medicinal use starting around the 15th century. Especially within the Cloister Gardens of Monasteries.

Paeonia Officinalis’ cultivation as an ornamental plant didn’t begin in Europe until after the introduction of the Chinese Peony. As a result, Paeonia Lactiflora is now the parent of most modern Peony cultivars, thus contributing to it having such a large distribution range today. However, Paeonia Officinalis’ aesthetic cultivation still advanced after the introduction of Paeonia Lactiflora. But cultivation choices differed between the two species; Western aesthetics prized the same highly aromatic, multi-petaled display. But where Eastern cultivators had often bred “Tree” varieties with multiple flowered stems, Western cultivators sought out “Herbaceous” varieties with large, single-stemmed blooms far more suitable for Cut Flower arrangements.

In the Americas in particular, the Peonies were being grown by the likes of Thomas Jefferson by 1771. By 1830 they were also being grown by several prominent American Botanists and Nurserymen. The first truly American cultivar wasn’t actually bred or introduced until 1856, however- by one H. A. Terry of Iowa; Sarah Pleas of Indiana became the first American female Peony Breeder of importance after 1880. And later, the founding of the American Peony Society occurred in 1903. Despite thousands of cultivars now having been bred in America, though, only two Peony species are actually native to the North American continent- and specifically to the Western Coast. These are Paeonia Brownii and Paeonia Californica.

Today, we in the West now only see the Peony (predominantly Paeonia Officinalis and Paeonia Lactiflora) as an Ornamental garden flower. Its history of medical and culinary use has widely been lost to the annals of history and myth, and it is no longer really used for the variety of purposes that it once was in the past. However, it was once an integral part of any individual’s repertoire of herbal agents across many cultures, in a variety of forms- but especially those of Korea, China, and Japan.

Culinarily, the Petals are the significant portion of the plant. They may be eaten as is, especially as a garnish for salads- or they may be used in a variety of Syrups, Jellies, Waters, and an assortment of different drinks.

Medicinally, in the West it was the Seeds that were considered medically significant- while in the East, it was often the Roots. In the modern day both are used rather interchangeably or similarly; the infamous Culpepper considered Peony a Solar Herb ruled by Leo, and ordered the value of the plant's components as the Roots first, followed by the Seed, then the Flowers, and lastly the Leaves.

Its predominant use in Western Medicine is for Menstrual Pain and Irregularity, and Fibroids- and Chevalier adds that, when taken alongside Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra), it soothes the symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, and is believed to help improve infertility related to the condition. Steven Foster adds “abnormal or painful menstruation” to the list. And Culpepper, too, noted Peony Root and Seed's role in uterine medicine- though stated its use was for "cleansing the womb after childbirth, and easing the mother". Likewise, in their book ‘Ashkenazi Herbalism’, Deatra Cohen and Adam Siegel state that “[Peony] was reported to have been used almost exclusively for gynecological diseases in [Soviet-era reports on folk medicine in the Pale]”. 

Matthew Wood notes that Peony works specifically on Estrogen excess in the system, and indicates a usefulness for treating certain symptoms of Menopause- most notably Hot Flashes, Redness, Flushing, and similar symptoms. This usefulness for these symptoms also make it particularly good for treating symptoms such as Fevers, and other conditions where heat or temperature needs to be brought down within the body; another use that’s historically backed up across multiple sources throughout the world.

Culpeper also claimed the seeds were good for Nightmares and “Melancholic Dreams”. This use is echoed by Dioscorides, who mentions the use of Peony Seeds to alleviate “the gasping [which is] experienced during nightmares”; Toviyyah ha-Kohen, a Polish-Jewish physician from the 17th and 18th centuries, similarly utilized Peony as a protection against Fear.

Throughout history, Peony’s uses have been incredibly broad- treating everything ranging from Lunacy and Jaundice, to Epilepsy, the Urinary System, Eczema and Tuberculosis, the Liver, Nosebleeds, and far, far more. It became an idea in the 1970’s, however, that the entire plant (but especially the flowers) was poisonous, and should only be taken under strict medical supervision. Today, though, there are currently "no risks known” to using either Paeonia Lactiflora or Paeonia Officinalis; or, more correctly to say, any Health hazards with proper therapeutic dosages are not yet known to us.

That being said: The updated and annotated version of Culpepper’s Herbal (produced by Steven Foster), mentions that “Experimentally, it lowers blood pressure”. Likewise, “Paeonia Suffruticosa is considered a pungent and antibacterial circulatory stimulant that can lower blood pressure, with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, [and] sedative actions”- as noted in ‘Ashkenazi Herbalism’. And so it is contraindicated for individuals on Blood Thinners, or with any condition which affects Blood Pressure. Additional evidence suggests potential interactions with Anticoagulants and Antibiotics, and so caution is advised with these medications as well- though there is currently no evidence to support this concern. Additionally, traditional caution should be taken during pregnancy as well, as the effects on pregnancy and lactation are still unknown

One side effect that is known, is that- due to a compound called Paeoniflorin- effects of Peony consumption may include gastrointestinal upset in small cases or in sensitive individuals. This may range up to gastroenteritis presenting with vomiting, colic, and diarrhea in the case of overdose or overuse. For that reason, it is still important to be careful with one’s dosage if taking it for any therapeutic or culinary reasons. Discontinuation of use should occur immediately if any symptoms are experienced.

Peony continues to live on outside of Food and Medicine, however- finding its way even into the public imagination; because of its age and widespread range, many folk stories, myths- and even folk warnings- surround the Peony in historical mythology and folklore. But the most common in the West is the idea that the flower cannot be harvested if one spies a Woodpecker in the vicinity. This warning dates back at least to 300 B.C.E, where it was believed that the Roman God Mars’ Woodpecker guarded the plant, and would peck out the eyes of anyone who tried to harvest it. All manner of loopholes and tricks were devised, then, by the Romans (and those who came after) to harvest the Peony without disturbing or alerting this Avian guardian.

Another folkloric belief stated, according to Josephus via Gerarde, that Peony would “cause danger to he that touches it”. For that reason, it was believed that it had to be harvested in an indirect way; preferably, according to the same individual, by tying a rope between it and a dog, and then enticing the dog with a delectable Steak to pull it out of the ground for you. In this way the harvester could ensure he would not me subjected to the curse of its removal.

Folklore recorded by Scott Cunningham in the 20th century later states that, if one is gathering Peony, it should only be gathered at night when its seeds are said to shine with an eerie, supernatural light. Though Cunningham’s own account of this bit of folklore is sadly unsourced, it’s backed up by “A New Translation of the Old English Herbarium”, found in ‘Medieval Herbal Remedies’ by Anne Van Arsdall- which itself claims that it “shines at night like a lantern” and is therefore gathered at night by Shepherds tending to their flocks. 

If one is planting Peony, however, additional instruction by Cunningham states that it should be planted during a Waning Moon in the third or last quarter. Preferably this should be done in the month of September, according to The American Peony Society's more mundane instructions- unless one is dividing them, in which case one should divide in September and then plant the division some time the following Spring (after the frost but before the division begins to show growth). The organization likewise insists that Peonies should be planted no more than 2 or 3 inches deep at the crown in an uncrowded location with well draining soil, and good access to quality sunlight throughout the day; mulching it in the first year of planting is advised.

In a metaphysical sense, Peony has a history of Spiritual and Metaphysical use in the west as well. Cunningham, for instance, recorded that the plant was long revered for its protective powers. This is especially true when the seeds or roots are made into beads and worn. When used accordingly, it’s considered particularly sturdy against Evil or Malicious Spirits of varying kinds- and the root can also be hung around the neck to break enchantments placed on an individual (in the same way that Physicians once believed it could cure Epilepsy and other Seizure disorders). Additionally, he calls it “a lucky scent for all who need customers, success in business, or good fortune”.

Planting Peonies in your household's Garden may indeed be a lucky act that brings additional happiness and protection according to Susan Gregg in her ‘Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants’. But unlike Cunningham’s instructions to wear Peony for its protective qualities, Gregg states that simply having a vase of its flowers in one’s home is enough to banish Spirits, and suggests Peony Root as a blessing incense for your household.

Juliet Diaz, meanwhile, notes that the plants can grow for “a hundred years or more” when cared for properly- claiming that this makes them powerful allies for spellwork necessitating or dealing with longevity. This longevity, too, according to Diaz, makes it an incredible ancestral ally that facilitates communication and connection between you and those who came before. Additionally, it is stable, grounding, and protective, aids in organization, and promotes stillness and calming.

Though the Peony remains nestled in our modern Gardens as a beloved Ornamental whose history and uses have been largely forgotten in the modern day? Whether dealing with its myth, magic, or medicine, it is certainly a diverse and storied plant whose history stretches an untold distance back into time- making it an ally we can certainly all call on with confidence, regardless of why we call on it.

Sources

“Peony” article on Wikipedia

“Peonies in Myth, Science, and Art” (1984, BioScience Vol 34 : No 10);
Kathy Fackelmann

"Peony (Paeonia Spp) Monograph" (2001, Alternative Medicine Review Vol 6 : No 5);
Thorne Research Incorporated

“A Short Course in Peony Culture” (1924 - revised 2019, The American Peony Society);
W. F. Christman

‘Peony: The Best Varieties For Your Garden’ (2017, Timber Press);
David C. Michener and Carol A. Adelman

‘English Botany- or, Coloured Figures of British Plants’ (1867, Robert Hardwicke);
John T. Boswell, Phebe Lankester, John T. Boswell, John W. Salter, and James & John E. Sowerby

‘Culpeper's Complete Herbal: Consisting of a Comprehensive Description of Nearly All Herbs with Medicinal Properties …’ (1880, W. Foulsham & Company Limited);
Nicholas Culpeper

‘Culpeper's Complete Herbal, Illustrated and Annotated Edition’ (2019, previously Sterling Publishing - now Union Square & Company);
Originally by Nicholas Culpeper, Edited by Steven Foster

‘DK Eyewitness Companions: Herbal Remedies’ (2007, DK Publishing);
Andrew Chevallier

‘Duke's Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, 2nd Edition’ (2002, CRC Press);
James Duke

‘Ashkenazi Herbalism: Rediscovering the Herbal Traditions of Eastern European Jews’ (2021, North Atlantic Books);
Deatra Cohen and Adam Siegel

‘Medieval Herbal Remedies: The Old English Herbarium and Anglo-Saxon Medicine’ (2002, Routledge);
Anne Van Arsdall

‘Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs’ (1985, Llewellyn Publications);
‘Magical Herbalism: The Secret Craft of the Wise’ (1982, Llewellyn Publications);
Scott Cunningham

‘Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants’ (2021, Hay House Incorporated)
Juliet Diaz

‘The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, Revised’ (2013, Fair Winds Press)
Susan Gregg