Magnolia Tree
Magnolia Tree (Huo Po)
Botanical Name: Western – Magnoliaceae acuminata, M. virginiana, M. grandiflora. Eastern – M. officinalis, M. liliiflora, M. denudata.
The bark and roots of the magnolia tree have a long tradition in Chinese Medicine for healing and calming upset stomachs, asthma, and vomiting. Magnolia bark is often used to calm anxiety, aid sleep, and counter depression. See Magnolia Flower for the functions of the flowers and buds.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – What Makes Magnolia Bark So Special?
Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.
Below is an overview of magnolia tree, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of magnolia tree.
How to take FULL advantage of Magnolia Tree's healing powers...
CHECK OUT my Online Course about Magnolia Tree. Dive deep into the benefits and applications of Magnolia Tree from Eastern and Western perspectives and much, much more!

Western
Also Known As: Blue Magnolia, Swamp Sassafras, Cucumber Tree
Organs/Systems: Stomach, Lungs, Sinuses, Eyes, Intestines, Nervous System
Key Actions: Mild Diaphoretic, Aromatic, Antibacterial, Antiviral, Stimulant, Gentle Laxative, Sudorific, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Digestive, Tonic
Medicinal Uses: Rheumatism, insomnia, stress relieving, cortisol-lowering (cortisol can contribute to osteoporosis, diabetes, prevents cancer, diabetes, suppressed immune function and memory problems), gastrointestinal motility, relaxes muscles, osteoporosis, gastric ulcers, intermittent fevers, recurring typhoid symptoms, weight loss, constipation, anxiety, stroke, asthma, improves memory and brain function.

Eastern
Pin Yin: Hou Po
Also Known As: Lily Tree (M. denudata)
Meridians: Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Lungs
Key Actions: Aromatic Herb that Transforms Phlegm, Promotes the Movement of Qi, Warms and Transforms Phlegm, Redirects Rebellious Qi Downwards, Tonifies Qi, Resolves Stagnation, Dries Dampness
Medicinal Uses: Food stagnation, chest or abdominal distention and fullness, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, depression, wheezing due to Phlegm with cough, asthma, bloating, whitens skin, damp oozing skin conditions, eczema, acne, dry skin, improves gastrointestinal motility, oral health, memory, brain function, menopausal symptoms, stress, lowers blood pressure, diabetes, and the seeds (M. officinalis) are used to improve eyesight.
Basic Habitat/Botany:
Fossilized specimens M. acuminata have been found dating to 20 million years ago, surviving many geological events from the ice age, mountain formations, and continental drift). It is a large tree of 16-80 feet or more and diameter of 3-5 feet.
Mainly eastern and southeastern Asia, with secondary locations in North America, Central America, the West Indies and South America. In China, it is mainly produced in Sichuan, Hubei and as well as some other regions.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Bark of Trunk, Branch, and Root, Seed, Flower, Bud (See Magnolia Flower for Flower and Bud functions.)
Flavors/Temps: Bitter, Acrid, Warm, Aromatic
Caution: Considered safe. The seeds are mildly poisonous if eaten by humans.
Key Constituents: Magnolol, Honokiol, Eudesmol
History/Folklore: Used in Chinese Medicine since 100AD. Currently there are more than 200 Chinese patent drugs that are based on magnolia. The latest research news from scientists in Illinois report that breath mints made with magnolia bark extract kill most oral bacteria that causes bad breath and tooth decay within 30 minutes of chewing the mints
Magnolias have been cultivated in Chinese Buddhist temple gardens since 600 AD. The magnolia tree is a tree of life symbol; its branches and blossoms reach into the sky, their roots penetrating deep into the earth. It dwells between heaven, earth, and the underworld, uniting the energies of the universe.
Magnolia bark is an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating abdominal distension. It is very good at Warming and Transforming Phlegm and helping to direct Rebellious Lung Qi Downwards, treating coughs, wheezing, and a stifling sensation in the chest.
Like the magnolia flower, magnolia wood is highly aromatic.
There are over 250 compounds found in the bark, flowers, and leaves, however, it is the compounds honokiol and magnolol that have gotten the most attention. They have been found to be 1000 times more potent than vitamin E. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that is beneficial to immune system function and the skin. These two active compounds are also thought to contribute to the primary anti-stress and cortisol-balancing effects of the plant. Both these compounds exhibit neurotropic effects in vitro, promoting brain cell growth and reducing brain cell death. Magnolol, also contains anti-allergic and anti-asthmatic properties.
A study compared the compound honokiol to the pharmaceutical drug diazepam (Valium). Honokiol was found to be 5 times stronger for reducing stress, without the side effects. Unlike diazepam, magnolia does not also induce muscle relaxation, invite addiction, or cause memory loss that is sometimes associated with this drug.
Studies suggest that honokiol and magnolol can activate cannabinoid receptors in the body, enhancing magnolia’s ability to promote sleep and calm anxiety.
The tree’s Genus is named in commemoration of Pierre Magnol, a professor of medicine and botany in the early 18th century.
Magnolia wood is used as plywood, interior trim, upholstered furniture and veneers.
Magnolia trees first appeared some 95 million years ago. And while their flowers are not representative of what the earliest flowers look liked, they offer interesting insights into the evolution of flowers. Magnolia is an ancient genus, appearing before bees did. It is theorized that the flowers evolved to encourage pollination by beetles.

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How to use Magnolia Tree (Huo Po) and take FULL advantage of it's healing powers!
Find out how to safely use this powerful herb and get specific recipes you can make use of immediately. Dive deep into Eastern and Western perspectives about HOW and WHY this herb works. Includes uses, benefits, essential oils, gardening tips, and much, much more.
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