Tree peony actions to clear heat and cool blood in TCM

What is tree peony(Mu Dan Pi)?
Given the fact that tree peony root bark is the main medicinal part, medicinally it refers to the dried root bark of Paeonia suffruticosa Andr., which is a plant in the family Ranunculaceae. Therefore, other names of this herb include Tree Peony Root Cortex, Dan Pi, Cortex Moutan Radicis, Cortex Moutan, Moutan Bark, Tree Peony Bark, moutan root bark, peony bulbs, and so on. In China, it is mainly produced in Anhui, Shandong, and other provinces. After the harvesting in fall, it needs to get rid of the radicula, strip off the root bark, and dry in the sun. It is usually used raw or prepared with wine.

Peony tree is a perennial deciduous shrub, 1 to 1.5 meters in height. Rhizome is fleshy. Branches are short and stout. Alternate leaves are usually biternate compound leaf; handle length is from 6 to 10cm; leaflets are ovate or broad ovate. Large flowers are solitarily grown on the top of the branches; 5 sepals are imbricate and green; petals are 5 or many. Due to variation, most cultivated species are with double flowers, obovate petals, incision on top, and colors of rosy, red, purple, and white; stamens are many, and with red filaments and yellow anthers; pistil are 2 to 5, green, densely pubescent, and with short style, and lobate stigma; faceplate is goblet. Fruits are 2 to 5 follicle-like aggregate fruits, which are oval, green, and covered with brown short hair. Tree peony bloom time is from May to July and fruit time is from July to August. Habitats are sunny and fertile place. And it is often cultivated in gardens.

Tree peony benefits
Peony has been grown throughout the world for medicinal, ornamental, and landscaping purposes. In addition, it is also a nectariferous plant.

Peony flower is large, colorful, and splendid. That’s why it has always been regarded as a symbol of wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture. What’s more, it is also called "the queen of flowers" and "national beauty with heavenly fragrance." Nevertheless, it earns such a reputation not by the beauty but the innate pride and dignity. Through a good eye for moutan, being big and showy does not necessarily mean beauty. Instead, what does matter is the attitude – it won’t become conceited with full bloom and impudent with gorgeousness. Above all, the most important thing is its strength of character. It is so proud and unyielding that it refuses to bloom when all other flowers are in full blossom. It doesn’t cater to anyone’s likes and it is always the people who should wait patiently. Perhaps that is the exact reason why it is honored as the queen. As you can see now, what makes peony what it is is its character of fearing no one, especially those in power. No wonder ancient Chinese poets always depict it as a tough fighter.