Common Name: |
Magnolia |
Botanical Name: |
Magnolia officinalis |
Genus: |
Magnolia |
Family: |
Magnoliaceae |
Native Location: |
Native to W and C China |
Cultivation: |
Moist, neutral to acid, rich soil in sun or partial shade, with shelter from cold winds and late frosts. Magnolia virginiana tolerates wet soils. Buds and open flowers turn brown when damaged by frost. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in autumn (species only); by greenwood cuttings in late summer (deciduous magnolias); by semi-ripe cuttings from late summer to early autumn (evergreen magnolias). |
Harvest: |
Bark is collected in autumn and dried for use in decoction, liquid extracts, powders, and tinctures. Its aromatic properties do not keep well and stocks are renewed annually. Flower buds and flowers are picked in spring (M. liliiflora) or when open in summer (M. officinalis), an d used fresh or dried in decoctions, or dried for powders. |
Height: |
20-22m (70-75ft) |
Width: |
10-15m (30-50ft) |
Hardiness: |
Z6-9 |
Parts Used: |
Bark, Flowers (hou po hua) |
Properties: |
A bitter, warming, relaxant herb that improves digestion, lowers blood pressure, and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects. The flowers act mainly as an aromatic, digestive tonic. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for abdominal distention, stomach pains, diarrhea and vomiting associated with indigestion, asthma, coughs with profuse phlegm (bark); pressure and fullness in the abdomen and chest, and shortness of breath associated with disturbed stomach energy (flowers). Bark is often combined with Zingiber officinale (See, Ginger) and Paeonia spp. (See, Peony). |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 269-270 |