The flower�s name origin is rooted in Greek mythology as it�s named after Paeon, a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. When Asclepius became jealous of his pupil, Zeus saved Paeon by turning him into the peony flower. Peony root has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years and it gained a reputation as a treatment for epilepsy and to promote menstruation.