Mǔ Dān Pí (牡丹皮) — Tree Peony Root Bark (Moutan)

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Mǔ Dān Pí (牡丹皮) — Paeonia suffruticosa — is known in English as Tree Peony root bark / Moutan. It belongs to the category of Herbs that cool Blood in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Mǔ Dān Pí as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heat and cools Blood
2. Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis
3. Clears Deficiency Heat (Empty Heat)
4. Reduces swelling and inflammation and relieves pain

Indications

1. Blood Heat with skin eruptions, nosebleeds and menorrhagia
2. Fever from Yin deficiency — steaming bone disorder, afternoon fever and night sweats
3. Dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and fibroids from Blood stasis
4. Appendicitis, carbuncles and boils from Heat toxin and Blood stasis
5. Joint pain and swelling from Blood Heat and stasis
6. PCOS — anti-androgenic and anti-inflammatory effects; component of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

4. Key formulas containing Mǔ Dān Pí

Mǔ Dān Pí is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
• Da Huang Mu Dan Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Paeonia suffruticosa (Mu Dan Pi) is one of the most pharmacologically active herbs in the Chinese Materia Medica. Key bioactive constituents include paeonol (methoxy-acetophenone), paeoniflorin, paeonoside and galloylglucose. Paeonol has documented anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet, anti-allergic, antitumour and neuroprotective effects. Research confirms that paeonol inhibits COX-2, TNF-alpha and NF-kB, explaining its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects relevant to dysmenorrhoea and inflammatory conditions. Clinical research supports use in PCOS (reduces LH and testosterone, consistent with the action of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan), menopausal symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis and skin inflammatory conditions.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid during pregnancy due to Blood-moving properties. Avoid in haemorrhagic conditions without Heat signs. Use with caution in patients with Cold patterns and Blood deficiency without stasis.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Mǔ Dān Pí as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis, Menopausal symptoms, Acne. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.