Chinese Peony / White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) vs Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

Chinese Peony / White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)

About

White peony is an upright perennial growing to 6.5 feet with large white flowers and divided, dark green leaves. Its history of use in China stretches back at least 1,500 years, and it is one of the herbs in 'Four Things Soup.' The plant is cultivated throughout northeastern China and Inner Mongolia, propagated from seed in spring or from root cuttings in winter. The root of 4- or 5-year-old plants is harvested in spring or autumn.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a perennial legume about 16 in (40 cm) tall, with trifoliate leaves bearing a white crescent and pink-purple egg-shaped flowerheads. It is rich in isoflavones (phytoestrogens) and is traditionally used for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis and for whooping cough, while isoflavone extracts are promoted for menopausal symptoms. NCCIH says research hasn't shown conclusive benefits for any health condition, and studies on hot flashes have been inconsistent.

Safety & precautions

Do not take during pregnancy. Use under professional guidance for hormonal conditions.

Pregnancy: MSK advises avoiding red clover during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and NCCIH says supplements may be unsafe then. Blood Thinners: MSK says red clover may increase the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners such as warfarin, so talk with a healthcare provider first.

Safety text above is printed in full and is never abbreviated. For each plant’s complete precautions, drug and food interactions and preparation notes, open its own page - both are free.