Menstrual cramps? Have a paeonia

As I've updated the description of the blog and my presentation etc., I contemplated the name of the blog I once chose. I still think the peony reflects who I am but I got curious about the role of it so I decided to look into it. And it turns out that - as is often the case with flowers - the function of the paeonia has not been restricted to being a fair decoration, hair accessory or perfume. In Japan, peony root was used as a treatment for menstrual cramps, asthma and convulsions.

A bit of googling lets me know that peony root also releaves: jaundice, kidney & bladder problems, gout, asthma with cramps, and epilepsy. Furthermore, The Peony Formula which includes peony is believed to be one of the classic psychospiritual formulas first mentioned in the Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era. This formula "releases constraints and encourages the free-flow of Liver qi, allowing for open-mindedness and a free or rambling spirit." I like that!

Also: it is commonly used for irregular menstruation, PMS, breast distention and lumps, leukorrhea, menopausal disorders, uterine bleeding and chronic hepatitis.