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- Peony
Description
The peony is known for its stunning beautiful flowers. The size of the flower is overwhelming, some reach up to 12 inches in diameter. There are various colors and varieties of peonies; some have sweet fragrance, some just have showy flowers. With its beauty and hardiness, it is no wonder it is the national flower of China. There are two types of peonies, the tree peony and herbaceous peony. The flowers are similar in shape and size. The difference being the tree peony does not totally die back to the ground in winter. It retains the main branches and continues to grown year after year. In Asia, tree peonies are planted in temples and palaces, and they can live for hundreds of years. The tree peonies are somewhat hard to find and are usually rather pricey. The plant looks lifeless in winter. In April, leaves and flower bud sprout from the wooden branches. Shortly enormous flowers bloom from the tips of newly formed branches. Sometime they are so big and heavy that the soft branches are bent to the side. I have several Japanese tree peonies and some Chinese peonies. The funny thing is that I can’t really tell the differences between the two. I guess most Japanese peonies have more showy flowers, while most of the Chinese peonies are fragrant.
Medicinal
Peonies have been cultivated in China since about 900 B.C. The white peony is one of the oldest remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. They are a very beautiful and fragrant ornamental flower, but the root is the part valued in Chinese medicine to treat conditions. Peonys can be used to treat muscle cramps (developing research suggests that taking a specific combination of peony and licorice might ease muscle cramps in people with liver cirrhosis and in people undergoing hemodialysis), gout, osteoarthritis, breathing problems, cough, skin diseases, hemorrhoids, heart trouble, stomach upset, spasms, nerve problems, migraines chronic fatigue syndrome, and many other conditions.
Sources
http://www.desertscope.com/flowers/peony.php
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/peony
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail349.php
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only. Plant Sale does not and can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Plant Sale makes no claims to the medicinal/edible effects of these plants. In fact, plants may be harmful or even deadly if taken for the wrong conditions, used in excessive amounts, or combined with other drugs. Consult your doctor about your health conditions and the use of plant-based remedies. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally/edibly. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Use information wisely and at your own risk.
The peony is known for its stunning beautiful flowers. The size of the flower is overwhelming, some reach up to 12 inches in diameter. There are various colors and varieties of peonies; some have sweet fragrance, some just have showy flowers. With its beauty and hardiness, it is no wonder it is the national flower of China. There are two types of peonies, the tree peony and herbaceous peony. The flowers are similar in shape and size. The difference being the tree peony does not totally die back to the ground in winter. It retains the main branches and continues to grown year after year. In Asia, tree peonies are planted in temples and palaces, and they can live for hundreds of years. The tree peonies are somewhat hard to find and are usually rather pricey. The plant looks lifeless in winter. In April, leaves and flower bud sprout from the wooden branches. Shortly enormous flowers bloom from the tips of newly formed branches. Sometime they are so big and heavy that the soft branches are bent to the side. I have several Japanese tree peonies and some Chinese peonies. The funny thing is that I can’t really tell the differences between the two. I guess most Japanese peonies have more showy flowers, while most of the Chinese peonies are fragrant.
Medicinal
Peonies have been cultivated in China since about 900 B.C. The white peony is one of the oldest remedies in traditional Chinese medicine. They are a very beautiful and fragrant ornamental flower, but the root is the part valued in Chinese medicine to treat conditions. Peonys can be used to treat muscle cramps (developing research suggests that taking a specific combination of peony and licorice might ease muscle cramps in people with liver cirrhosis and in people undergoing hemodialysis), gout, osteoarthritis, breathing problems, cough, skin diseases, hemorrhoids, heart trouble, stomach upset, spasms, nerve problems, migraines chronic fatigue syndrome, and many other conditions.
Sources
http://www.desertscope.com/flowers/peony.php
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/peony
http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail349.php
Disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only. Plant Sale does not and can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Plant Sale makes no claims to the medicinal/edible effects of these plants. In fact, plants may be harmful or even deadly if taken for the wrong conditions, used in excessive amounts, or combined with other drugs. Consult your doctor about your health conditions and the use of plant-based remedies. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally/edibly. The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Use information wisely and at your own risk.