What Are The Benefits Of Peony Buds For Your Health And Skin?

Peony buds are known for their striking beauty every spring. But maybe you need to learn the great benefits that this flower brings. So, what are the benefits of peony buds? Most parts of the peony plant can be used for healing and improving health. For example, buds, roots, and seeds are herbal remedies for headaches, fever, anti-cancer, antioxidants, and beauty health. Let's explore all these benefits in the following section!

What Are The Benefits Of Peony Buds For Your Health And Skin?

  1. What are peony buds?

  2. What are the benefits of peony buds?

      2.1 Peony buds benefits for your health

           2.1.1 Antioxidant

           2.1.2 Prevent some canc</span>ers

           2.1.3 Lower cholesterol

           2.1.4 Enhance liver health

           2.1.5 Promote blood circulation

      2.2 Peony buds benefits for your skin

           2.2.1 Enhance skin's moisture retention

           2.2.2 Offer gentle benefits

           2.2.3 Provide potent antioxidant protection

  3. Are peony buds safe?

      3.1 Peony buds precautions

      3.2 Peony buds dosing

  4. Conclusion

1. What are peony buds?

Peony buds, the early stage of peony flowers, develop on the plant before fully blooming. Typically round or slightly oval, these buds are enveloped in a protective layer of sepals. As they mature, the buds swell, unveiling the stunning, multi-petaled peony flower.

Peonies (Paeonia lactiflora) are flowering plants native to Asia, Europe, and western North America. With 40 distinct species, these popular garden plants consist of herbaceous perennials up to 1 meter tall. However, some woody shrubs can grow up to 3.5 meters. Peonies boasted deeply lobed leaves and large, often fragrant flowers in shades of purple, white, or yellow that bloom in late spring.

Peony roots, leaves, and flowers serve as herbal remedies. The roots are a diuretic, sedative, antiepileptic, and antispasmodic agent, calming nerves. Pink peony buds are brewed into a tea to alleviate headaches, reduce fever, improve sleep, and enhance overall health.

2. What are the benefits of peony buds?

Parts of the peony are used to treat diseases and improve human health. The best part about it is the roots, but it's hard to find and quite expensive. Furthermore, peony buds are a better choice if you need a mild herb for daily use. They carry the researched and proven benefits of the peony plant, as explained below.

2.1 Peony buds benefits for your health

2.1.1 Antioxidant

Research on peony buds and their extracts has demonstrated their potential as a source of antioxidants. These antioxidants can combat free radicals, unstable molecules that may cause cellular damage, aging, and various health issues. The presence of bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins contributes to the antioxidant effects of peonies.

A 2019 study in the Journal of Food Science examined the antioxidant properties of peony flower extracts, finding significant activity attributed to the flowers' high phenolic content. Another study, published in the Journal of Functional Foods in 2019, evaluated peony flower extracts' antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on mice. The study revealed that these extracts could effectively counteract inflammation and oxidative stress, possibly due to bioactive compounds like paeoniflorin and galloylpaeoniflorin.

Although the studies focused on peony flowers as a whole rather than specifically on the buds, it is plausible that they also possess antioxidant properties, given that they contain similar compounds.

2.1.2 Prevent some cancers

Studies on bioactive compounds in peonies, such as paeoniflorin and paeonol, suggest potential cancer-fighting properties.

A 2014 study published in Oncology Reports showed that paeonol, a critical bioactive component in peonies, hindered the growth of human colorectal cancer cells by triggering apoptosis and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Additionally, a study in Oncology Letters revealed that paeoniflorin, another bioactive compound in peonies, suppressed the growth of human cervical cancer cells by inducing apoptosis and restricting cell migration.

2.1.3 Lower cholesterol

Research on peony buds’ bioactive compounds, such as paeoniflorin and total glucosides of peony (TGP), suggests their potential to influence lipid metabolism and cholesterol levels.

A 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine examined the impact of paeoniflorin on lipid metabolism in high-fat diet-fed rats. The findings indicated that paeoniflorin could significantly lower serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-C while raising HDL-C levels, potentially protecting against diet-induced hyperlipidemia.

2.1.4 Enhance liver health

A June 2010 "Archives of Pharmacal Research" study evaluated the antioxidant effects of paeoniflorin, a peony component, on the liver. They revealed that peony extract protects the liver against inflammation. According to the University of Michigan Health System, peonies may also treat hepatitis.

2.1.5 Promote blood circulation

According to ScienceDirect, peony flower buds contain active ingredients that reduce blood clotting and platelet accumulation. Compounds such as paeoniflorin, catechin, galloylpaeoniflorin, and paeonol promote healthy blood circulation and may prevent certain cardiovascular diseases.

2.2 Peony buds benefits for your skin

2.2.1 Enhance skin's moisture retention

Peony extract strengthens the skin barrier, the outermost layer responsible for retaining moisture and repelling irritants. A healthy skin barrier, better water, and moisturizing ingredients promote soft and nourished skin.

2.2.2 Offer gentle benefits

In Oriental medicine, peony is celebrated as a cure-all. "Peony root extract contains paeoniflorin, a chemical compound that helps soothe the skin," explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Research indicates that paeoniflorin also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, further contributing to healthier skin.

2.2.3 Provide potent antioxidant protection

Antioxidants are crucial for safeguarding the skin against environmental aggressors that cause aging skin damage. "Paeoniflorin in peony root extract has been shown to help protect against UV-induced free radicals or sun damage," says Dr. Zeichner. Consequently, this protection helps reduce the risk of developing rough skin and dark spots.

3. Are peony buds safe?

Overall, this flower is safe for most people when taken by mouth. However, overdosing can cause some adverse effects. In addition, some subjects also need to avoid using peonies to ensure safety.

3.1 Peony buds precautions

Bleeding disorders: Because this flower can slow blood clotting, it may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people with bleeding disorders. So, avoid using peony flowers of any kind in this case.

Surgery: It's best not to use peonies for at least 2 weeks before and after surgery, as these flowers can slow the body's clotting process.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Until more definitive studies are available, peonies should not be used by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

3.2 Peony buds dosing

No scientific studies are defining the dosage range for peonies. How much to use depends on the user's age, health, and condition. It is best to follow the directions on the peony product packaging or consult a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

4. Conclusion

So now you know, “What are the benefits of peony buds?”. This flower bud is a herb to treat many ailments, improves holistic health, and benefits the skin. However, pay attention to the precautions and dosage when using peonies to ensure safety. Peony buds tea is the safest option if you're going for a daily drink. Visit TheRike, which sells the dried buds that make up this nutritious tea.