Each year from mid-April to mid-May, the peonies are in full bloom, generally reaching their peak during April 15th-25th, the date set for the annual festival. During the peony fair, gardens are awash with thousands of colorful white, yellow and purple flowers set against a background of vibrant, dark green leaves.
Luoyang National Peony Garden 洛阳国家牡丹园 is one of the oldest gardens to grow peonies in China. There are over one million peony trees of 1,200 different kinds. The peony blooming here are highly reputed for their big flower, flamboyant color, numerous species and lasting florescence. Other sites to enjoy peonies include, Shenzhou Peony Garden, featuring the special architectural style and landscape garden of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Visitors will see over 30,000 peony trees of 840 kinds in full bloom. At Luoyang National Flower Garden visitors can see over 200 rare kinds of peony in bloom including the 150-year-old Changsouhong (red peony) and 120-year-old Changsouzi (purple peony). The park covering 50,000 square meters gained its name from its location on Wangcheng Ruins, the site of the Capital City of Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-221BC). It served as the venue for the first Luoyang Peony Festival and is the main venue for Peony Festivals every year.
Peony Root in TCM
The Chinese use everything wholesome and natural for traditional Chinese medicine. That includes both red and white peony root.
According to scientific research:
- Peony root improves blood flow
- Reduces pain
- Improves hyperpigmentation
- Improves mood disorders
- May also help autoimmune disorders
(healthline.com)
- Peony blocks chemicals that can cause pain and swelling
- Helps prevent blood clotting
- May kill cancer cells
- Acts as an antioxidant.
(WebMD.com)
Peony Extract is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Historically (and today), Peony serves as an herbal remedy for a variety of physical ailments, including gout, arthritis, respiratory tract infections, menstrual cramps, liver disease, seizures, nerve pain, and migraines. (bareminerals.com)
Red vs White Peony Root
- White peony is mainly used to nourish the liver and reduce spasms.
- Red peony reduces pain associated with blood stasis.. . . Red Peony Root clears heat, cools blood, clears liver fire and dispels blood stasis.
- benefits coronary health,
- promotes normal circulation,
- boosts the immune system,
- promotes normal glucose levels
- benefits liver health
- eases pain. (1stChineseherbs.com)
How to Consume:
Peony root can be taken as a tincture or steeped as a tea. A decoction is made by adding one tablespoon of the root to 8 ounces of water in a covered pot. Simmer the root for twenty minutes and then strain. It is important that the water should not boil but should be a low simmer.
White peony is often added to TCM herbal combinations that address comfortable digestion and mood. The liver energy system impacts circulation, blood production, muscle strength and mood. For example: Foci JIA WEI XIAO YAO WAN
White peony is used to improve digestion in Soothing ‘n Centering Tea (Pueraria Root Soup / Ge Gen Tang Herbal Tea) useful for fever, aches and hangover. Soothing ‘n Centering tea may also improve mental focus because its balanced formula contains digestive herbs such as white peony root, angelica and tangerine peel which reduce bloating and enhance circulation in our digestive center. All in all Soothing ‘n Centering Tea makes a good companion for tired computer addicts who overheat from too much work or celebrating.
