Peony for PCOS
The use of peony is popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Studies of peony as a herbal medicine, in combination with licorice, have produced promising results, showing reductions in LH:FSH ratio, ovarian testosterone production and improvements in ovulation (Takahashi & Kitao, 1994, Takahashi et all, 1988).
Peony contains the chemical compound paeoniflorin, which has been shown to decrease testosterone production. It can also promote activity of aromatase, which is a protein that converts testosterone into estrogen. White peony root is also used to treat the painful menstruation that women with PCOS experience.