Things I Love

Peonies are one of the oldest flowers-originating in China over 4000 years ago.
Did you know the perennial peony’s bulb, roots and petals have all been utilized for making decoctions, tinctures and powders for herbal medications?
Peony bulbs and roots have been used in culinary traditions of some countries. In Siberia, local people used to dry the bulbs and to grind them into a flour for making breads. In Mongolia, the roots were cut and dried to brew tonifying tea infusions. And peony petals can be sugared and used to decorate cakes or added as is to a salad.
The extract of peony flower petals has a regenerative, softening, moisturizing, firming, anti-inflammation effect on skin.The roots of peony contain the chemical compound paeoniflorin which has strong anti-oxidant properties. The root extract is often used as an ingredient for tonifying and skin-soothing lotions, toners skin and conditioners for hair.

Warning: Taking this herb internally should always be consulted with your doctor, as the raw bulbs of some types of peony can be poisonous. Pregnant women should never take peony extract.

Reference: http://delicious-skin.com/gourmet-skincare-ingredients/natural-peony-paeonia