Grove Meadows

Chinese Tree Peony

Symbolism in Water Fountains

Asian architecture and art often incorporate symbolism in the elements of their designs.  This is especially true for Asian-influenced water fountain design.  Whether your fountain is styled after Zen garden principals, feng shui, or traditional Asian Designs the symbols in your water fountain could mean many things.   

Here are a few common design elements often seen with Asian-inspired water fountains:

Animals and People
Frog – Depending on the culture, frogs can be seen as slimy and cold or as symbols of transformation and good fortune.  They can symbolize a happy family life, healing and good luck.

Dragonfly – As one of the best trick fliers in the insect world, dragonflies have long been admired.  Dragonflies often symbolize new light, joy and strength.

Koi Fish – Koi are an ornamental carp species and are very popular in outdoor ponds and fountains.  Koi symbolize perseverance in adversity and strength of purpose.

Dragons – Dragons have been known in Asian cultures as benevolent and intelligent.  Asian dragons can symbolize strength, authority and mysticism.

Buddha – Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of the Buddhist religion. Buddha often symbolizes enlightenment, meditation, individualism, prosperity, and riches.

Flowers and Trees
Lotus Blossom – The lotus blossom grows in the muck at the bottom of a pond, then grows toward the water surface where it blooms.  It can symbolize enlightenment and purity.

Bonsai Tree – Bonsai trees are dwarfed trees that grow in shallow pots and are pruned and trained into a shape. They can symbolize peace, harmony and good things.

Peony – Along with the plum blossom, the peony is the traditional floral symbol of China. Peonies symbolize riches, honor and nobility.

Bamboo – Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, reaching its full height and girth in 3-4 months.  Bamboo can symbolize flexibility, wisdom and experience.

Orchid – Orchids are a long-lasting plant that has a very unique and graceful appearance.  They can symbolize abundance, higher growth and prosperity.

Metal and Coins
Coins – Old Chinese coins are often seen in fountains and are easily recognized by the square hole in their center.  They can symbolize wealth, prosperity, and good luck.

Gold – As the most precious of metals, gold carries special meaning in many cultures.  It often symbolizes perfection of mind and spirit.

Silver – Silver is often associated with the feminine and can symbolize intuition, clarity of vision and subtle strength.

Copper – Copper was once used for mirrors because of its reflective properties.  It often symbolizes love, balance and artistic creativity.

Next time you purchase a water fountain, think about the symbolism of all the design elements.  You might be surprised!

About the Author

Serenity Health, http://www.serenityhealth.com, provides water fountains, relaxation and stress relief products that soothe and delight. Their expert team is very selective and only choose the highest quality relaxation products.

Mother of Pearl Inlay 8-drawer Jewelry Armoire (China) $361.99 Store cherished treasures and hidden secrets in this handcrafted jewelry cabinetExquisite jewelry chest is intricately hand-inlaid with mother of pearl Box depicts 'mudanhua' (tree peonies), the national flower of China

Mother of Pearl and Rosewood Oriental Jewelry Box $213.99 Luxurious yet practical ornamental jewelry chestOriental decor defines this handcrafted armoire jewelry box featuring mother of pearl inlay'Mudanhua,' or tree peonies, China's national flower, grace the top and doors of this jewelry box

Peony $10.13 Young Peony is sold into a rich Chinese household as a bondmaid -- an awkward role in which she is more than a servant, but less than a daughter. As she grows into a lovely, provocative young woman, Peony falls in love with the family''s only son. However, tradition forbids them to wed. How she resolves her love for him and her devotion to her adoptive family unfolds in this profound tale, based on true events in China over a century ago. The conflicts inherent in the Chinese and Jewish temperament are delicately and intricately traced with profound wisdom and delicate understanding in this tale... This is an enchanting story, the theme of which is tolerance. Highly recommended. -- Library Journal

Green Peony and the Rise of the Chinese Martial Arts Novel $67.9 Green Peony and the Rise of the Chinese Martial Arts Novel

Peony Tree 2 Scented Cushions $8 Generous sized fragranced Peony Tree cushions in top quality cotton, perfect for drawers, wardrobes and shoes.

Peony Tree 2 Scented Hangers $12 Two Peony Tree patterned padded hangers with a small sachet adding elegance to any closet.

Peony Tree Boxed Drawer Liners $12 Boxed Drawer Liners beautifully fragranced and patterned in the Peony Tree design tied in a satin bow. Sheet size 58*42cm

Peony Tree 2 Toiletry Bags $15 Stylish toiletry bags with the Sanderson Peony Tree print in large and medium for travelling choice.

Peony In Love $17.96 Peony, the teenage daughter of a wealthy family in 17th-century China, is allowed to see an opera, but only if she hides behind a screen. Like many young Chinese women of the time, she becomes entranced and obsessed with the production. Peony also becomes

Peony in Love $20.21 Peony, the teenage daughter of a wealthy family in 17th-century China, is allowed to see an opera, but only if she hides behind a screen. Like many young Chinese women of the time, she becomes entranced and obsessed with the production. Peony also becomes

National Symbols of China: Chinese Dragon, Giant Panda, Ginkgo Biloba, Great Wall of China, List of Chinese Flags, Peony $14.14 National Symbols of China: Chinese Dragon, Giant Panda, Ginkgo Biloba, Great Wall of China, List of Chinese Flags, Peony

Handmade Mother Of Pearl & Wood Jewelry Box - Chinese Floral Tree Peony Design $245 Bring luxurious, stunningly designed yet practical Oriental ornamentation to your decor with this handcrafted dark wood jewelry box featuring Mother of Pearl inlay. Mudanhua or tree peonies, China's national flower, grace the top and doors of this jewelry organizer, and are intricately created by the artisan from hand-inlaid Mother of Pearl. Decorative brass hardware, hand-etched with floral flourishes and other designs, adorn the cabinet's gleaming hinges and handles. The dual flower-basket handles are emblems of the female immortal Lan Caihe and represent the transience of life. Expertly hand-carved embellishments grace the rich woodwork, including the delicately handcrafted trim supporting the raised sides, gently beveled edges around the top surface, and the undulating skirt. Plush goldenrod felt lines the inside of the drawers to keep your jewelry from being scratched, and is decorated with hand-embroidered floral designs. The drawers contain separate sections for rings, bracelets and necklaces keeping your jewelry well-organized. Truly an outstanding work of art and a practical jewelry chest, this beautiful piece is sure to be a treasured possession for years to come. Measures 14 inches wide x 10 inches high x 8 inches long. Experience the world from the comfort of home when you shop with AsiaEXP, bringing you a wide range of handmade creations from a variety of world cultures. By shopping with us you not only receive a unique and authentic handicraft, but also help to sustain local artisans and longstanding creative traditions of Asia. The handcrafted nature of this item will produce slight variations from piece to piece in color, form and sizing, adding to the unique quality of individual items. All measurements are approximate.

Handmade Mother Of Pearl & Wood Jewelry Box With Mirror - Chinese Tree Peony Design $225 Add a spark of Oriental splendor to your decor while storing your jewelry and other cherished treasures in this stunningly handcrafted jewelry box with Mother of Pearl inlay. The lid of this beautiful creation features the artisan's intricately hand-inlaid Mother of Pearl rendering of birds on Mudanhua or tree peonies, China's national flower. Hand-etched ornamental brass hardware adorns the corners, adding a regal touch. The inside of the box is lined with plush goldenrod felt which features detailed, hand-embroidered mudanhua and the shuangxi or double happiness character, symbolizing marital unity and happiness. The inner tray is divided into sections for rings, bracelets and necklaces, and it can also be removed to reveal a hidden chamber for additional storage of precious items. The inside of the lid is graced with a convenient mirror to make it easy to adjust your jewelry while wearing it and the lid is securely closed with a sophisticated and decorative brass latch. Constructed of highly polished dark wood, this inspiring and gorgeous creation is as practical as it is beautiful and is sure to be a treasured possession for years to come. Measures 9 inches wide x 6 inches long x 4 inches high. AsiaEXP brings you authentic, handcrafted goods from a variety of world cultures. AsiaEXP brings you handicrafts of exceptional quality from a variety of Eastern cultures, while simultaneously supporting talented craftsmen and their creative traditions. By purchasing this piece you are not only acquiring a beautiful creation, but helping to sustain the artisans and their cultural heritage. The handcrafted nature of this item will produce minor differences in design, color and sizing. Subtle variations will occur from piece to piece, adding to the unique quality of individual creations. Measurements may vary slightly.

Chinese Embroidered Peony Blouse $49 Our red cotton blouse combines easy-care fabric with an embroidered hem.

Chinese Peony Poster Print $15.41 Last Name: Redoute. First Name: Pierre-Joseph. Paper Width: 11. 500. Paper Height: 16. 000. Subject: Floral & Botanical. Color: Magenta / Green / White / Warm Colors. Style or Genre: Traditional.

The Peony Pavilion $22.11 The celebrated English translation of this classic work of Chinese literature is now available in an updated paperback edition. Written in 1598 by Tang Xianzu, The Peony Pavilion is one of literature''s most memorable love stories and a masterpiece of Ming drama. Cyril Birch has captured all the elegance, lyricism, and subtle, earthy humor of this panoramic tale of romance and Chinese society. When Indiana University Press first published the text in 1981, it seemed doubtful that the work would ever be performed in its entirety again, but several spectacular and controversial productions have toured the world in recent years. For this second edition, which contains a fully revised text of the translation, Cyril Birch and Catherine Swatek reflect on contemporary performances of the play in light of its history.

Peony Tree 150ml Handcream $8 A frosted tube with luxury hand cream enriched with shea butter and vitamin E to nourish and moisturise the skin, cradled in an elegant gold blocked drum.

Peony Root European 10:1 60 vegicap bottle: HE $13.99 We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Peony Root - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: European Peony, Piney, Moutan, Tree Peony, Moutan Peony, Mudan, Common Peony If you thought the Peony was only a beautiful flower, think again! Peony Root has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years for its tranquilizing effect on the nerves, pain relieving effect on muscles and purifying effect on the blood. It is also an old remedy for ''female complaints,'' both physical and emotional; but men have also enjoyed its benefits for an overall feeling of well-being. History: The Peony is an extremely hardy and ornamental flower that is native to China, but grows wild in southern Europe and is cultivated for its beauty in gardens everywhere. The Peony is the sole genus in the flowering Paeoniaceae plant family, but in the past, the Peonies were often classified in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. Most species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are woody shrubs. Because of its hardiness, it can grow in almost any soil but prefers deep, rich, well-drained loam in sun or partial shade, avoiding positions where frost damage is likely, and it propagates very quickly. In the autumn, the root is lifted from cultivated plants of at least two (preferably four to five) years of age; and after the root bark is stripped away, it is boiled and dried for use in herbal medicine (and has been for thousands of years) as a pungent, bitter, analgesic herb that cleanses and cools both the blood and liver and reduces pain. The genus, Paeonia, is supposed to have been named after the Greek god of healing, the mythical physician, Paeos, who used Peony Root to cure Pluto and other gods for wounds received during the Trojan War. He is said to have obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. In ancient times Peony was thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from the moon, and it was advised to harvest the plant only at night. The Peony was first mentioned in Chinese medicine in Pouch of Pearls, a twelfth-century work; and well into the Middle Ages, the plant was associated with dispelling evil and averting tempests. It was worn as a necklace to protect against evil spirits and disease and used medicinally to dispel nightmares and calm ''nervous affections'' and convulsions. In Europe, Peony Root is used as an old remedy for jaun

Peony Root European 10:1 600 vegicap bottle: HE $105.83 We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Peony Root - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: European Peony, Piney, Moutan, Tree Peony, Moutan Peony, Mudan, Common Peony If you thought the Peony was only a beautiful flower, think again! Peony Root has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years for its tranquilizing effect on the nerves, pain relieving effect on muscles and purifying effect on the blood. It is also an old remedy for ''female complaints,'' both physical and emotional; but men have also enjoyed its benefits for an overall feeling of well-being. History: The Peony is an extremely hardy and ornamental flower that is native to China, but grows wild in southern Europe and is cultivated for its beauty in gardens everywhere. The Peony is the sole genus in the flowering Paeoniaceae plant family, but in the past, the Peonies were often classified in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. Most species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are woody shrubs. Because of its hardiness, it can grow in almost any soil but prefers deep, rich, well-drained loam in sun or partial shade, avoiding positions where frost damage is likely, and it propagates very quickly. In the autumn, the root is lifted from cultivated plants of at least two (preferably four to five) years of age; and after the root bark is stripped away, it is boiled and dried for use in herbal medicine (and has been for thousands of years) as a pungent, bitter, analgesic herb that cleanses and cools both the blood and liver and reduces pain. The genus, Paeonia, is supposed to have been named after the Greek god of healing, the mythical physician, Paeos, who used Peony Root to cure Pluto and other gods for wounds received during the Trojan War. He is said to have obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. In ancient times Peony was thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from the moon, and it was advised to harvest the plant only at night. The Peony was first mentioned in Chinese medicine in Pouch of Pearls, a twelfth-century work; and well into the Middle Ages, the plant was associated with dispelling evil and averting tempests. It was worn as a necklace to protect against evil spirits and disease and used medicinally to dispel nightmares and calm ''nervous affections'' and convulsions. In Europe, Peony Root is used as an old remedy for jaun

Peony Root European 10:1 90 vegicap bottle: HE $18.68 We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Peony Root - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: European Peony, Piney, Moutan, Tree Peony, Moutan Peony, Mudan, Common Peony If you thought the Peony was only a beautiful flower, think again! Peony Root has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years for its tranquilizing effect on the nerves, pain relieving effect on muscles and purifying effect on the blood. It is also an old remedy for ''female complaints,'' both physical and emotional; but men have also enjoyed its benefits for an overall feeling of well-being. History: The Peony is an extremely hardy and ornamental flower that is native to China, but grows wild in southern Europe and is cultivated for its beauty in gardens everywhere. The Peony is the sole genus in the flowering Paeoniaceae plant family, but in the past, the Peonies were often classified in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. Most species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are woody shrubs. Because of its hardiness, it can grow in almost any soil but prefers deep, rich, well-drained loam in sun or partial shade, avoiding positions where frost damage is likely, and it propagates very quickly. In the autumn, the root is lifted from cultivated plants of at least two (preferably four to five) years of age; and after the root bark is stripped away, it is boiled and dried for use in herbal medicine (and has been for thousands of years) as a pungent, bitter, analgesic herb that cleanses and cools both the blood and liver and reduces pain. The genus, Paeonia, is supposed to have been named after the Greek god of healing, the mythical physician, Paeos, who used Peony Root to cure Pluto and other gods for wounds received during the Trojan War. He is said to have obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. In ancient times Peony was thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from the moon, and it was advised to harvest the plant only at night. The Peony was first mentioned in Chinese medicine in Pouch of Pearls, a twelfth-century work; and well into the Middle Ages, the plant was associated with dispelling evil and averting tempests. It was worn as a necklace to protect against evil spirits and disease and used medicinally to dispel nightmares and calm ''nervous affections'' and convulsions. In Europe, Peony Root is used as an old remedy for jaun

Peony Root European 10:1 30 vegicap bottle: HE $8.1 We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Peony Root - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: European Peony, Piney, Moutan, Tree Peony, Moutan Peony, Mudan, Common Peony If you thought the Peony was only a beautiful flower, think again! Peony Root has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years for its tranquilizing effect on the nerves, pain relieving effect on muscles and purifying effect on the blood. It is also an old remedy for ''female complaints,'' both physical and emotional; but men have also enjoyed its benefits for an overall feeling of well-being. History: The Peony is an extremely hardy and ornamental flower that is native to China, but grows wild in southern Europe and is cultivated for its beauty in gardens everywhere. The Peony is the sole genus in the flowering Paeoniaceae plant family, but in the past, the Peonies were often classified in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. Most species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are woody shrubs. Because of its hardiness, it can grow in almost any soil but prefers deep, rich, well-drained loam in sun or partial shade, avoiding positions where frost damage is likely, and it propagates very quickly. In the autumn, the root is lifted from cultivated plants of at least two (preferably four to five) years of age; and after the root bark is stripped away, it is boiled and dried for use in herbal medicine (and has been for thousands of years) as a pungent, bitter, analgesic herb that cleanses and cools both the blood and liver and reduces pain. The genus, Paeonia, is supposed to have been named after the Greek god of healing, the mythical physician, Paeos, who used Peony Root to cure Pluto and other gods for wounds received during the Trojan War. He is said to have obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. In ancient times Peony was thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from the moon, and it was advised to harvest the plant only at night. The Peony was first mentioned in Chinese medicine in Pouch of Pearls, a twelfth-century work; and well into the Middle Ages, the plant was associated with dispelling evil and averting tempests. It was worn as a necklace to protect against evil spirits and disease and used medicinally to dispel nightmares and calm ''nervous affections'' and convulsions. In Europe, Peony Root is used as an old remedy for jaun

Peony Root European 10:1 360 vegicap bottle: HE $65.5 We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Peony Root - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: European Peony, Piney, Moutan, Tree Peony, Moutan Peony, Mudan, Common Peony If you thought the Peony was only a beautiful flower, think again! Peony Root has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years for its tranquilizing effect on the nerves, pain relieving effect on muscles and purifying effect on the blood. It is also an old remedy for ''female complaints,'' both physical and emotional; but men have also enjoyed its benefits for an overall feeling of well-being. History: The Peony is an extremely hardy and ornamental flower that is native to China, but grows wild in southern Europe and is cultivated for its beauty in gardens everywhere. The Peony is the sole genus in the flowering Paeoniaceae plant family, but in the past, the Peonies were often classified in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. Most species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are woody shrubs. Because of its hardiness, it can grow in almost any soil but prefers deep, rich, well-drained loam in sun or partial shade, avoiding positions where frost damage is likely, and it propagates very quickly. In the autumn, the root is lifted from cultivated plants of at least two (preferably four to five) years of age; and after the root bark is stripped away, it is boiled and dried for use in herbal medicine (and has been for thousands of years) as a pungent, bitter, analgesic herb that cleanses and cools both the blood and liver and reduces pain. The genus, Paeonia, is supposed to have been named after the Greek god of healing, the mythical physician, Paeos, who used Peony Root to cure Pluto and other gods for wounds received during the Trojan War. He is said to have obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. In ancient times Peony was thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from the moon, and it was advised to harvest the plant only at night. The Peony was first mentioned in Chinese medicine in Pouch of Pearls, a twelfth-century work; and well into the Middle Ages, the plant was associated with dispelling evil and averting tempests. It was worn as a necklace to protect against evil spirits and disease and used medicinally to dispel nightmares and calm ''nervous affections'' and convulsions. In Europe, Peony Root is used as an old remedy for jaun

The Jade Peony $12.98 "Beautifully written….It renders a complex and complete human world, which by the end we have learned to love."—The Boston Book ReviewChinatown, Vancouver, in the late 1930s and '40s provides the backdrop for this poignant first novel, told through the vivid reminiscences of the three younger children of an immigrant Chinese family. The siblings grapple with their individual identities in a changing world, wresting autonomy from the strictures of history, family, and poverty. Sister Jook-Liang dreams of becoming Shirley Temple and escaping the rigid, old ways of China. Adopted Second Brother Jung-Sum, struggling with his sexuality and the trauma of his childhood in China, finds his way through boxing. Third Brother Sekky, who never feels comfortable with the multitude of Chinese dialects swirling around him, becomes obsessed with war games, and learns a devastating lesson about what war really means when his 17-year-old babysitter dates a Japanese man.Mingling with life in Canada and the horror of war are the magic, ghosts, and family secrets of Poh-Poh, or Grandmother, who is the heart and pillar of the family. Side by side, her three grandchildren survive hardships and heartbreaks with grit and humor. Like the jade peony of the title, Choy's storytelling is at once delicate, powerful, and lovely.The Jade Peony was selected by the Literary Review of Canada as one of the "100 Most Important Books in Canadian History" in 2005. It was also an American Library Association Notable Book of the Year in 1998, and was winner of the 1995 Trillium Award (shared with Margaret Atwood).

Peony Root European 10:1 Powder 1/4 lb bottle: HE $20.75 This herb is BULK DISCOUNTED in our 10 lb & 25 lb bulk packs. To find the bulk packs, just copy and paste the herb name into our Search, or refer to our Bulk By The Kilo & Ton category. We use only 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose ''00'' capsules for all of our encapsulated products. We offer both bulk powder and capsules. Obviously our bulk bottles are bulk powder, not capsules, but the capsule weight is included to give you a way of judging the recommended dosage. Peony Root - Botanical Extract 10:1 -- Approximately 600 mg. each capsule. 1/2 teaspoon of powder is about equal to one capsule. Powder can be consumed by sprinkling it over your food or mixing it with a syrup such as maple or chocolate. You could also mix it with orange juice. The citric acid in the orange juice will help to mask any unpleasant powder tastes. Other common names: European Peony, Piney, Moutan, Tree Peony, Moutan Peony, Mudan, Common Peony If you thought the Peony was only a beautiful flower, think again! Peony Root has been used in herbal medicine for thousands of years for its tranquilizing effect on the nerves, pain relieving effect on muscles and purifying effect on the blood. It is also an old remedy for ''female complaints,'' both physical and emotional; but men have also enjoyed its benefits for an overall feeling of well-being. History: The Peony is an extremely hardy and ornamental flower that is native to China, but grows wild in southern Europe and is cultivated for its beauty in gardens everywhere. The Peony is the sole genus in the flowering Paeoniaceae plant family, but in the past, the Peonies were often classified in the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. Most species are herbaceous perennial plants, but some are woody shrubs. Because of its hardiness, it can grow in almost any soil but prefers deep, rich, well-drained loam in sun or partial shade, avoiding positions where frost damage is likely, and it propagates very quickly. In the autumn, the root is lifted from cultivated plants of at least two (preferably four to five) years of age; and after the root bark is stripped away, it is boiled and dried for use in herbal medicine (and has been for thousands of years) as a pungent, bitter, analgesic herb that cleanses and cools both the blood and liver and reduces pain. The genus, Paeonia, is supposed to have been named after the Greek god of healing, the mythical physician, Paeos, who used Peony Root to cure Pluto and other gods for wounds received during the Trojan War. He is said to have obtained the plant on Mount Olympus from the mother of Apollo. In ancient times Peony was thought to be of divine origin, an emanation from the moon, and it was advised to harvest the plant only at night. The Peony was first mentioned in Chinese medicine in Pouch of Pearls, a twelfth-century work; and well into the Middle Ages, the plant was associated with dispelling evil and averting tempests. It was worn as a necklace to