White Peony vs Blue Cohosh Root

A fundamental TCM herb for nourishing liver blood, relieving spasms, and regulating menstruation; one of the most widely used herbs in gynecological formulas.

Native North American herb used by Penobscot, Ojibwe, and other tribes to facilitate labor and treat menstrual disorders. Controversial due to uterine stimulant activity.

Paeoniflorin, Albiflorin, Oxypaeoniflorin, Tannins

caulosaponin, cauloside D, taspine, baptifoline

Blood deficiency, Abdominal spasms and cramping, Menstrual irregularities

Stimulate labor at term, Treat menstrual disorders, Menstrual cramps, Traditional Native American childbirth medicine

Menstrual regulation, Antispasmodic for abdominal pain, Liver nourishing and anti-inflammatory

Uterotonic, Antispasmodic, Anti-inflammatory, Emmenagogue

6-15g decoction or 500mg extract twice daily

1-2ml tincture or 1g dried root tea; term pregnancy only under supervision

Avoid in cold patterns without blood deficiency

Pregnancy except at term under supervision, Heart disease, Cardiovascular disease

Mild GI discomfort

Fetal distress if misused, Nicotinic-like toxicity, Heart arrhythmias