Paeonia lactiflora, also known as common peony and white peony, is originally native to Asia and later introduced to Europe and North America in the 1700s. Due to its large, showy blossoms, the plant has always been a popular garden ornamental. This particular species is the parent to numerous cultivars in circulation today.
In China, where peony is known as Chin-shao-yao, the plant has been cultivated since 900 B.C.The dried root is used as an anti-inflammatory agent in the wellness traditions of China, Japan and Korea. Peony root owes its qualities to a number of compounds and minerals, including astragalin, paeoniflorin, calcium, copper, linoleic-acid, magnesium potassium and zinc.
