One of the most interesting aspects of the way Peony works is that it helps to reduce menopausal hot flushes by acting on the temperature setting mechanism in the brain. We all have a thermostat in our brains, and it is there that Peony exerts its effect. This is quite unlike other herbs used to treat menopausal symptoms, as they are usually phyto-oestrogenic. Phyto-oestrogens are chemicals contained in herbs such as red clover, black cohosh etc., and they exert their effect by interacting with the oestrogen receptor sites on the cells of the body. Peony therefore represents a novel and non-hormonal way to approach menopausal symptoms. It is also interesting to note that Peony has a long history of use as a herb for nervous system and brain conditions and modern research has discovered that Peony, and particularly it's main active component paeoniflorin, has been confirmed to have some very interesting effects in this area of the body.
If we go back in time in European herbal medicine we find Peony being used as an anti-epileptic. In fact, the son-in -law of William Shakespeare, a doctor called John Hall, became famous for his use of Peony in the treatment of epilepsy! Going back further in time we see how even the ancient Greeks used Peony to treat nervous system and brain conditions and this even included the treatment of nightmares and 'hysteria'. In Chinese medicine, Peony has always been a stand by herb in the treatment of gynaecological and menstrual conditions. What is more, the Chinese never had problems talking about female conditions or the organs involved whereas in the western world there was always a taboo about anything regarding the reproductive organs. In fact, this is where the word 'hysteria' came from. It was coined to describe the psychological symptoms that often accompanied menstrual problems. The medical word for womb 'hystos', and therefore words such as hysterectomy etc share the same origin and have a peculiar reference to women! We therefore encounter old herbals recommending Peony for not just hysteria, nightmares and swooning but such things as 'suffocation of the womb' and other such obtuse references to the psychological symptoms accompanying menstrual and gynaecological complaints. The connection to the use of Peony and nervous system problems therefore is clear and this particularly applied to women!
If we come up to the present day we now know, thanks to modern research, that paeoniflorin and its metabolites are indeed powerful anti-epileptic substances, but more interesting perhaps is the fact that paeoniflorin has been shown to improve concentration and learning. Peony therefore has now become interesting to modern pharmacy because of its potential benefit in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and age related mental decline and the fact that Peony does indeed work on the brain and nervous system is clearly seen. Once again tradition leads science!
NOTE: If you do take anti-epileptic medication, do not take Peony without first consulting your health care practitioner. Or call the Hughes Health help-line on 028 8778 8141.