Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora)
Gender: Masculine
Planet: Sun
Element: Fire
Folk Names: Peony and Piney
Parts Used: Roots
Paeonia lactiflora is a species of herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Paeoniaceae. Peony is native to Asia from eastern Tibet across northern China to eastern Siberia. The flowers are large, round, fragrant and cup shaped.
The History of Peony
Known as the white Peony (P. albiflora) was bought to England in the mid 18th century. It was from this flower that most of the modern varieties available today stemmed from. There are now over 300 varieties available and all range in colour, sizes and form.
The name peony comes from the Greek god Paeon, the Greek god of healing, who was said to use the peony to treat the battle wounds of the gods.
Common Uses of Peony
The flowers of peony are often used for making floral fragranced lotions and waters. Waters can be made by boiling the petals of the flowers then keeping refrigerated. Simply add the water to your bath or splash over your face for a refreshing lift.
Medicinal Uses of Peony
The leaves and flowers of peony are not typically ingested as they can cause nausea. The roots are a traditional Chinese herbal medicine and when applied topically to the area reduces swelling of wounds, heals abscesses, carbuncles and boils in the early stages and heals cracked skin especially cracks around the anus (anal fissures) that often occur with hemorrhoids.
Peony is very popular among herbalists as it has diuretic, antispasmodic and tonic properties.
Chinese researchers have shown that peony root also has tranquilising and analgesic properties. These properties make peony a common treatment for headaches, stomach pains and bladder infections. Peony is also used for spasms, whooping cough (pertussis), epilepsy, nerve pain (neuralgia), migraine headache, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Herbalists often use peony to treat problems related to women including menstrual pain, menstrual cramps, poly cystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and for starting menstruation or causing an abortion. Peony is also said to help keep a healthy pregnancy and birth but caution should be used as it can also be toxic if taken in the wrong dose.
Magickal Uses of Peony
Wear peony to protect the soul, body and spirit. When worn around the neck by a child peony protects against the mischief of fairies and imps, traditionally peony was carved into small beads called ;piney beads’ and then strung for this purpose.
Peony are particularly sacred to the Correllian Tradition, the flowers and petals bring good fortune, luck, prosperity and success in business. The seeds however, often called a “Jumby Bean” promotes dissension and strife.
The roots and seeds are also said to protect against misfortune, bolster health, breaking jinxes, and draw good fortune.
When burned as an incense it is said to protect those who travel on water from storms and when planted around the home will protect the home from storms and evil.
In folklore peony is used as a lucky charm, a healer, to promote prosperity, a strong protector, in exorcism and remove hexes and curses. Southern style anointing oils are often made with peony and are used to dress candles and anoint the body, amulets and conjure hands.
Warnings
Peony is considered possibly safe when taken short term by mouth. Peony can cause an upset stomach and a rash in some people.
Do not take while pregnant or breastfeeding, peony may cause uterine contractions.
Peony may reduce the ability of blood to clot and should not be taken by people suffering bleeding disorders.
We have listed known warnings about this plant. These warnings are a guide only and although some magical herbs are safe in small quantities they can be poisonous in large doses or if used incorrectly. If you are not experienced in herbs the rule to stick by is “when in doubt….don’t risk it”.
We have peony root and plenty of other herbs available for ritual or magickal use over at our online store https://thesacredwillow.com.au/
Disclaimer: This site is for informative purposes only and its content should not be considered professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy it is no replacement for the attention of a dedicated professional. The Sacred Willow and it’s proprietors cannot be held responsible for any damage and/or injury suffered resulting from actions and/or decisions based on information found on the site. Please do not self diagnose any condition regarding your own or another’s health. Always seek professional advice or arrange a consultation.
Some of the information provided on this Witchcraft Blog are based on myth, folklore and tradition and may suggest some supernatural or medicinal powers, however we make no claims as to their medical, magickal, psychic or esoteric properties and are sold as curios only.
References: “Wikipedia.org”. Paeonia lactiflora. Retrieved 26/04/2016, “Herbs2000.com”. Peony. Retrieved 26/04/2016, “WebMD.com”. Peony. Retrieved 26/04/2016, Cunningham, Scott. Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Publications; 1st edition (October 1985). Print.
