Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews (Paeoniaceae), the tree peony or Mudan, is a deciduous shrub 1-2 m tall with stout, woody, sparingly branched stems and a thickened, fleshy rootstock. The alternate, biternately compound leaves bear ovate to lanceolate, often three-lobed leaflets that are glaucous beneath. In late spring solitary, terminal, fragrant flowers 10-20 cm across open at the branch tips; in wild forms petals are white to pale pink with a maroon basal blotch, though cultivated varieties span pink, red, purple, and yellow. The fruit is a cluster of five hairy follicles releasing black seeds. Native to mountainous central China and long cultivated as both ornamental and medicinal plant, the dried root bark (Mu Dan Pi) is used in TCM to clear heat, cool blood, and invigorate blood circulation.

Dosage

Form	Amount	Frequency	Duration	Population	Notes
decoction	6-15g	Daily	—	—	—

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional Chinese Uses

Mu Dan Pi (tree peony root bark) is a cool herb with the distinctive ability to both clear Heat from the Blood and invigorate Blood circulation — making it particularly valuable when Heat and stagnation coexist. In Chinese medicine, it addresses febrile illness with blood-heat rashes, menopausal hot flushes, night fevers without sweating, and menstrual irregularities from Blood stasis combined with Heat. Its broad action on Heat and Blood makes it a versatile ingredient in formulas for inflammatory and gynecological conditions.

Traditional American Uses

None Documented

Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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