MEDICINAL PLANTS

The peony is an ornamental plant that is characterized by underground tubers and stem smooth, branched and leafy fragmented. At the apex of the stems appear big and beautiful flowers that are white or burgundy. The fruit is a capsule enclosing shiny black seeds. It breeds on the slopes of many mountains of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Originally from southeastern Europe, for its great ornamental value is cultivated under numerous varieties, the most appreciated the dark red flower.

FLOWERING

In the peninsula blooms in April and May in the Balearic Islands. Are collected for medicinal use flowers, seeds and roots. Flower what interests us are the petals that are harvested by hand and then are dried in the shade in thin layers, to preserve their fragrance and color, the roots are pulled in the springtime, is chopped and dried and the seeds are harvested when ripe.

APPLICATIONS

The peony has peonol active principles such as the peoniflorina, tannins, organic acids and sugars. It was used for medicinal purposes in the fourth century BC, but the currently available data are not very reliable as to its therapeutic actions. What we do know is that has toxic substances, which if not well understood, it seems that may give problems if misused. In principle peonol behaves as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer and antibacterial, and has sedative properties peoniflorina, antitussive and hypnotic. Furthermore it is attributed as a venous tonic. Thus is indicated in cases of anxiety, irritative cough, gastritis, duodenal ulcer, varicose veins and hemorrhoids. But we must re-emphasize that disregard many toxic active principles it contains, it is certainly best left to medical professionals. Interestingly, since the time of Hippocrates used this plant as antiepileptic, but nowadays it is more advisable to leave the treatment of epilepsy in the hands of doctors. Maybe tomorrow, when the plant is best studied, we may give reason to Hippocrates, but are not currently have any scientific basis for attributing such qualities to this plant.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Always prescription. One teaspoon per cup, 3 cups a day. In the market there is a cream peony and is also part of a compound, although not widely used.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Ranunculaceae
HABITAT: On mountainsides
FLOWERING: April
PART USED: Petals, seeds and roots
CASTILIAN: Perruna, rosa de monte
CATALAN: Pampalónia
BASQUE: Oinlodi
GALICIAN: Herba tolledeira

USES

Strong cough, Moderate sedation, Moderate analgesic.