European peony, Paeonia officinalis, is an old garden and medicine plant with a long folklore record in Europe. It is often confused with the Chinese white peony used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, but they are different species with very different evidence behind them. This guide focuses on the European species, what it was traditionally used for, what little modern research exists, and the safety points that matter most.
What is European peony?
This species is native to southern Europe and grown worldwide as a garden flower. The root is the part with a medicinal past. It holds compounds such as paeoniflorin and paeonol, plus tannins, flavonoids, and, in the fresh plant, an irritant called protoanemonin (Ahmad et al., 2013).
One key point: most "peony" research, and the only peony root with a formal European review, is Paeonia lactiflora (white peony), a separate species (EMA, Paeonia lactiflora). If you read about paeoniflorin studies or "total glucosides of peony," those almost always mean that Chinese species, not the European one. For that herb, see our guide to white peony.
Traditional uses (historical, not proven)
In old European herbalism, P. officinalis root was used for seizures and epilepsy, to bring on menstruation, and as a calming remedy for nervous complaints and cramps. These uses go back to ancient Greek and medieval medicine. They are historical traditions, not treatments confirmed by modern science. As a consumer-health review puts it bluntly, people have used peony for menstrual cramps, cough, epilepsy, and skin problems, but "there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses" (WebMD, Peony).
Epilepsy in particular is a serious medical condition that needs proper diagnosis and treatment. Peony is not a substitute for that care.
What the research actually shows
Direct research on European peony is thin and based on animals.
The clearest study tested a water-based root extract in rats. It caused no deaths up to a 2,000 mg/kg dose and lowered markers of liver damage in animals given a liver toxin, with signs of liver tissue recovery (Ahmad et al., 2013). That is an early animal signal, not proof of a benefit in people.
A broad review of the whole Paeonia genus reports antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity across species, and notes that European peony is one of the least-studied members. It also points out that the compounds tested in human trials come from the Chinese species, not the European one (Li et al., 2021). So the honest summary is simple: interesting chemistry, almost no human evidence for this plant.
Safety and who should avoid it
This is the part that matters most for European peony.
- Pregnancy: avoid it. Peony is seen as possibly unsafe by mouth in pregnancy because it may cause the womb to contract (WebMD, Peony). Its old reputation as a herb to "bring on a period" is exactly why it should not be used while pregnant.
- The fresh plant is irritant: fresh peony contains protoanemonin, which can irritate the mouth and gut, so the raw plant should not be eaten.
- Do not self-treat serious conditions: peony is not a proven treatment for epilepsy, and using it in place of medical care is dangerous.
- General use: stomach upset is the most common complaint; long-term safety beyond about a year is unknown. If you take prescription medicines or have a health condition, check with a clinician first.
For background on choosing herbs safely, see NCCIH.
For the better-researched, regulated relative, see our guide to white peony (Paeonia lactiflora), and for another root used in Chinese formulas see rehmannia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is European peony used for? Historically for seizures, nervous complaints, and menstrual problems. None of these uses is backed by good modern evidence, and direct research on this species is mostly limited to animal studies.
Is European peony the same as the peony in Chinese medicine? No. The Chinese herb is usually Paeonia lactiflora (white peony), a different species with far more research and a European regulatory assessment. Most "peony" study results refer to that species, not P. officinalis.
Is peony safe to take? Short-term use is considered possibly safe for some adults, but evidence is weak. Avoid it in pregnancy because it may cause uterine contractions, never eat the fresh plant, and do not use it for epilepsy or other serious conditions.
Does peony balance hormones? The popular claim that European peony "fixes estrogen" is not supported by reliable human evidence. Do not rely on it for hormonal or menstrual conditions.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.
Sources
- Li P, et al. Genus Paeonia: A comprehensive review on traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, clinical application, and toxicology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021 β PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33346027/
- Ahmad F, et al. Preliminary phytochemical, acute oral toxicity and antihepatotoxic study of roots of Paeonia officinalis Linn. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2013 β PubMed Central. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3609391/
- WebMD. Peony: Uses, Side Effects, and Safety. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-32/peony
- European Medicines Agency (EMA). Paeonia lactiflora Pallas, radix (Paeoniae radix alba) β assessment. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/herbal/paeoniae-radix-alba
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know
All sources accessed 29 May 2026.
