Medicinal Peony (Paeónia officinalis L.) was so named in 1753 by the Swedish naturalist Karl Linna because of his healing properties. This is a plant with white, pink and purple flowers native to southern Europe. The first mention of the pion can be found in 1 c. BC. The founder of the botanist of the Greek Theophrastus, who called the flower "Payonios" (medicinal). In Greece and Rome, this flower was considered a symbol of longevity and happiness.
In folk medicine, the peony was called "peasant rose", "gouty rose". In the Middle Ages, these flowers decorated the altar (in memory of the immaculate conception of Mary).
Did you know? Greek myths tell about a beautiful flower - turned by the gods into a plant Peone, a student of Esculapius. He surpassed his teacher in skill (saved the god Pluto), and the teacher decided to poison him. Peon was saved from death, and the flower acquired a name.
Sometimes the medicinal peony is mistakenly called the "Marien root." This is wrong - we are talking about two different plants. Marina root is called peony deviating. This peony is also known as a medicinal plant due to its root.
Medicinal peony chemicals
The composition of chemicals all types of peonies are similar, the difference lies in the degree of concentration of the main elements. Roots contain a greater amount of medicinal substances:
- oils (2% - Pineol);
- salicylic acid;
- flavonoids;
- alkaloids;
- minerals (magnesium, bismuth, copper, iron, strontium, chromium, etc.);
- glycosides;
- salicin;
- sugar, etc.
Did you know? There is a version that the flower got its name from Peonii - a place in Thrace.
Medicinal properties of "peasant rose"
Medicinal peony is not only used in traditional medicine. It is part of many modern medicines. The spectrum of action is wide - anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic, analgesic, etc.
Peony decoctions and tinctures are used for neurasthenia, insomnia, menstrual cycle disorder, ulcer, gastritis, colds, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, urolithiasis, hemorrhoids, etc.
Important! Medicinal properties are inherent only in the red and purple flowers of Paeónia officinalis.
Medicinal properties of peony help:
- increase the tone of the uterus;
- accelerate the healing of fractures;
- normalize sleep;
- remove anxiety and phobias;
- strengthen hair follicles;
- normalize metabolism;
- improve memory.
How to prepare medicinal peony
The process of harvesting medicinal raw materials is important. Peony can bring as much benefit (with proper preparation), and harm (if you move away from the rules). Harvest flower petals, rhizomes and seeds:
- petals - it is better to start their collection at the moment of full bloom before they begin to fall. After collecting the petals are dried (in a thin layer in the shade or in the oven 40-50 degrees). Store in a sealed container in a dark and dry place for no more than 3 years;
- the roots - Harvested at any time, but the best is after the seeds ripen or spring. Roots washed in cold water, cut into small pieces. Start drying also in the shade (until the moment when the root begins to break when bent). After - finally dried in the oven (no more than 60 degrees). Store raw materials in a place protected from light and moisture for not more than 3 years;
- the seeds - harvested after ripening, dried and stored as petals.
Important! Medicinal raw materials are harvested from plants not earlier than 3-5 years of age.
From the finished raw materials are made tinctures, decoctions and powders.
Preparation of peony tincture
Tinctures are made from petals, rhizomes and seeds (dried and fresh), which insist on alcohol solutions (from 40 to 96%) or boiled water.
1. Petals infusions:
- 1 tsp dried petals, a glass of cold water. Pour, insist in a closed vessel (2 hours). After filtering, take 1 tbsp. l 3 times a day (whooping cough, asthma);
- 1 tbsp. l fresh petals, 300 ml of cold water. Pour, insist in a closed vessel for 8 hours. Take three times a day (hemorrhoids, urolithiasis, gout, etc.);
- Chop the peony roots (the finer the infusion is), add alcohol (70%) in the ratio 1: 4. Insist 3 weeks (neurasthenia, hypochondria, etc.);
- 1 tbsp. l finely chopped rhizomes pour boiling water (0.5 l), insist half an hour. Take 2 tbsp. l three times a day (menopause);
- 2 tbsp. l rhizomes pour boiling water (two glasses). Insist a few hours. Wipe and rub into the skin (dermatitis, hair loss, dandruff).
- Crush fresh seeds, pour in alcohol (40%) 1: 4, leave for three weeks. Take four times a day for 1 tsp. (gastritis, uterine bleeding).
How to make a decoction of the roots of peony medicinal
The broth is easy to prepare at home. Broths are prepared from both fresh roots and dried raw materials. Medicinal peony has good medicinal properties, but it should be borne in mind that contraindications to it are possible.
- 1/2 tsp finely chopped rhizomes, a glass of water. Boil for 10 minutes in a vessel with a lid, insist 1 hour. Take 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. l (urolithiasis, edema, etc.);
- 30 g of rhizomes pereteret powder, pour a liter of water, boil. Take three times a day, 100 ml (for epilepsy, gout, etc.) for 30 days. After a break of 15 days, repeat the course;
- 100 g finely chopped rhizomes, 1 liter of water. Boil until reduced in 2 times. Strain and cool. Mix with 100 ml of alcohol (96%). Reception - 40 drops per day (gout, internal bleeding).
Contraindications to the use of pion medicinal and side effects
Medicinal peony is known for its medicinal properties, but also has side effects and contraindications. The plant contains a small amount of poison, so you must strictly follow the recipes in the preparation of infusions and decoctions, do not exceed the dosage.
Important! Tinctures and decoctions of medicinal peony are not recommended for pregnant and lactating women!
You can not use this plant for treatment:
- children under 12;
- patients with severe disorders of the liver and kidneys;
- patients with individual intolerance.
In case of non-compliance with the dosage, side effects are possible:
- allergic reactions;
- weakness and drowsiness;
- lowering blood pressure;
- diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting.
Did you know? In 1903, the first pionaud society was created in the USA. Most of the modern varieties of pions (there are more than 4500) are bred by breeders.
