This is one of the most highly prized women's herbs, used traditionally to help regulate the female hormonal cycle and to purify the blood. It is known to relieve cramps, spasms and pain associated with menstrual flow, and it is also said to extend life and to promote beauty. There is an old Chinese saying that "a woman who regularly consumes Peony root becomes as beautiful as the Peony flower itself." It is also used in stress formulas with the herb Bupleurum (Chai Hu) to soothe the liver while relaxing muscles and emotions.