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Botanical illustration of Paeonia (related species)
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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 irregularityMuscle crampsAbdominal painBlood 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 uses recorded in the Donguibogam

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

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • 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.
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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