Paeonia emodi Medicinal Uses, Dosage & Side Effects
The medicinal uses of Paeonia emodi are attributed to its neuroprotective, emmenagogue and antiepileptic actions. Its roots are primarily used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine. However, you may not find it in regular ayurvedic practice, still, it is worth to discuss some of its therapeutic uses for people who can find this plant.
What is Paeonia emodi?
Paeonia emodi is a plant species belong to Paeoniaceae (peony) family and Paeonia L. (peony rose) genus.
In English, it is called Himalayan Peony. In Hindi and Sanskrit, it is known as Chandra, Chandayra or Chandrain. In Urdu, it is called Ud-salap and Ood salib nim kofta.
Synonyms & Vernacular Names
| Common Name | Himalayan Peony, Chandra |
| Botanical Name | Paeonia emodi |
| English | Himalayan Peony, Peony rose |
| Hindi | Chandra, Chandayra or Chandrain |
| Sanskrit | Chandra |
| Unani Medicine & Urdu | Ud-salap, Ood salib nim kofta |
Plant Taxonomy
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Subkingdom | Viridiplantae |
| Infrakingdom | Streptophyta (land plants) |
| Super Division | Embryophyta |
| Division | Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants) |
| Subdivision | Spermatophytina (Seed Plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Super Order | Saxifraganae |
| Order | Saxifragales |
| Family | Paeoniaceae |
| Genus | Paeonia L. |
| Species | Paeonia emodi |
Medicinal Parts
In traditional medicine including ayurveda and Unani Medicine, its roots are a primary medicinal part.
Ayurvedic Properties
| Rasa (Taste) | Katu (Pungent) |
| Anu Rasa (After Taste) | Kashaya (Astringent) |
| Guna (Main Quality) | Laghu (Light) |
| Virya (Potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka (Resultant) | Katu (Pungent) |
| Organs Effect | Nerves, Uterus, Brain |
| Excretion | Probably Kidney |
Dosha Karma
| Increases | Pitta Dosha. |
| Reduces | Kapha Dosha |
| Pacifies | Vata Dosha. |
| Suitable | Vata and Kapha disorders |
| Unsuitable | Pitta Body Type. |
Medicinal Properties
Paeonia emodi has the following healing actions: –
- Neuroprotective.
- Emmenagogue.
- Antiepileptic.
- Blood detoxifier.
Therapeutic Indications
Paeonia emodi is traditionally used in the following diseases:
- Amenorrhea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Convulsions.
- Epilepsy.
- Paralysis.
- Kidney stone.
Dosage
The classical ayurvedic dosage of Paeonia emodi root powder is as follows:
| Children | 5 mg per Kg of body weight |
| Adults | 250 mg |
| Pregnancy | Not Recommended |
| Maximum Possible Dosage | 500 mg per day in divided doses |
How to Take
| Anupan (Adjuvant) | Water or as per dosha. |
| Dosage Frequency | Twice daily. |
| Medication Time | After a meal. |
Safety Profile
Paeonia emodi root powder is strong medicine. So, it should be used under professional supervision. It can cause several side effects if used unwisely.
Side Effects of Paeonia emodi
Paeonia emodi can cause the following side effects:
- Headache.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
- Vertigo.
- Nausea and Vomiting.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Paeonia emodi root powder is LIKELY UNSAFE during pregnancy and lactation.
Contraindications
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ear).
- Vertigo.
- Amal Pitta (Acid peptic disorders).
