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Peony Root

작약 (芍藥) · Paeonia lactiflora Pall.

Blood tonic Slightly cold Bitter, sour Liver, Spleen

NatureSlightly cold

TasteBitter, sour

MeridiansLiver, Spleen

Part usedRoot

FamilyPaeoniaceae

CategoryBlood tonic

Find by concern: Menstrual irregularity Muscle cramps Abdominal pain Blood deficiency

Overview

Peony root partners danggwi at the heart of Samul-tang, the foundational blood-nourishing formula. Tradition credits it with softening the liver and easing tension — the herb of choice for cramping pain, whether in the abdomen, the calves, or the monthly cycle. The white root (baekjagyak) is the standard nourishing form.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平微寒, 味苦酸, 有小毒. 除血痺, 通順血脉, 緩中, 散惡血.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral and slightly cold, its taste bitter and sour, with slight toxicity. It removes blood impediment, unblocks and regulates the vessels, relaxes the center, and disperses stagnant blood.

Traditional functions

Nourishes the blood, restrains yin
Softens the liver, relieves cramping pain
Regulates menstruation
Calms rising liver yang

Traditional applications

Menstrual cramps and irregularity
Muscle cramps and spasms
Abdominal cramping pain
Blood-deficiency patterns with pallor

Traditional preparation

Decoction 6–15g; famously paired with licorice in Jakyakgamcho-tang for cramping pain.

Cautions

Caution: Slightly cold — traditionally used cautiously with cold-type diarrhea and weak digestion, and classical texts note incompatibility with the herb veratrum (Yeoro). Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between white and red peony root?

White peony (baekjagyak) is the cultivated, peeled, boiled root used to nourish blood and soften the liver; red peony (jeokjagyak) is typically the wild, unpeeled root used to cool blood and move stasis. Classical sources assign them different roles.

Why are peony and licorice combined for cramps?

Jakyakgamcho-tang, recorded since the Shanghan lun era, pairs peony's yin-nourishing, tension-easing quality with licorice's moderating sweetness — a two-herb formula long used for spasmodic pain.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.