Magnolia Bark – 1 lb (454 g)

Magnolia Bark, known in Chinese as 厚朴 (Hòupǔ) and scientifically as Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, is a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This TCM herb has been traditionally used to support natural wellness, maintain vitality, and encourage holistic balance. At TCMforyou.com, we provide premium-quality Magnolia Bark carefully sourced to preserve its therapeutic properties.

As a herbal supplement, Magnolia Bark helps promote overall well-being and supports natural energy, immunity, and balance. Integrating this herb into your wellness routine offers a gentle, time-tested approach to enhancing daily health. Whether brewed as tea, added to herbal remedies, or taken as part of a TCM formula, Magnolia Bark provides a safe, natural way to experience the benefits of traditional Chinese medicine.

Trusted for centuries, Magnolia Bark has been used in TCM to harmonize the body and encourage optimal functioning of key systems. At TCMforyou, we prioritize authenticity and quality. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency, delivering an herbal product aligned with traditional practices.

Experience the natural support of Magnolia Bark, promoting immune health, vitality, and holistic well-being. Embrace the wisdom of TCM and incorporate this gentle, effective herbal remedy into your daily wellness journey.

[Overview] This herb is also known as Chuanpo, Houpí, Zhongpí, and Liepo. It is the bark, root bark, and branch bark of Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils. and Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils. var. biloba Rehd. et Wils., both belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. The former is mainly produced in Sichuan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Anhui, and other regions, with additional production in Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Guizhou, Shaanxi, and Gansu provinces. The Sichuan-produced bark is considered superior in quality and is called “Chuanpo.” The latter variety is mainly produced in Zhejiang and Fujian, with Zhejiang having a larger output, and is called “Wenpo.” Harvest occurs during the vigorous growth period from April to June. After peeling, the root bark and branch bark are directly air-dried in the shade. The dried bark is briefly boiled in boiling water, then piled in a damp and shaded place to “sweat” until the inner surface turns purplish-brown or brown. It is then steamed until soft, rolled into tubes, and dried in the sun or by baking.

[Properties] Bitter and pungent in taste, warm in nature. Enters the spleen, stomach, lung, and large intestine meridians.

[Actions] Dries dampness and resolves phlegm, descends qi and relieves fullness.

[Applications] 1. Used for epigastric distention and fullness caused by dampness obstructing the spleen and stomach, accompanied by poor appetite, and in severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea. When dampness is predominant, it is often combined with Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), as in the formula Pingwei San. If caused by damp-heat, it is combined with Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) and Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizoma). For cold-dampness syndromes, it is combined with Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) and Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), as in the formula Pofu Wan.

2. Used for food stagnation and qi stagnation causing epigastric and abdominal distention, vomiting, belching, and constipation. It can be taken as a single herb powder prepared with ginger or combined with Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus), Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), and Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus). For more severe stagnation with epigastric and abdominal pain and constipation, increase the dosage of Magnolia Bark and assist with Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), as in Houpo Sanwu Tang. For food stagnation with diarrhea and dysentery, combine with Laifuzi (Raphani Semen) and Binglang (Arecae Semen).

3. Used for cough and asthma with copious phlegm caused by damp-phlegm obstructing the lungs. It can be combined with Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen), and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma). If cough and asthma with copious phlegm are caused by external wind-cold, it is often combined with Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Xingren, as in Guizhi Jia Houpo Xingzi Tang.

4. Used for copious phlegm causing chest and hypochondriac fullness and oppression, with a sensation of plum-pit qi in the throat. It is often combined with Banxia, Fuling (Poria), and Suye (Perillae Folium), as in Banxia Houpo Tang.

[Dosage and Administration] Internal use: decocted, 3–9 g; or used in pills and powders. To dry dampness and relieve fullness, use raw; to stop vomiting, use after stir-frying with ginger.

[Cautions] Contraindicated in cases of qi deficiency, blood deficiency, and fluid injury. Use with caution during pregnancy.

[Modern Research] 1. Chemical Constituents: Magnolia Bark contains magnolol, honokiol, new magnolol derivatives, magnolia aldehyde, magnolia lignans, magnolia tri-phenols, and others. It also contains volatile oils, including β-eudesmol, elemol, dehydrodiisoeugenol, 1,4-eudesmol, eugenol, aromatic alcohols, α-pinene, and others, as well as allyl isothiocyanate and eugenol resin phenols.

2. Pharmacological Effects: Methanol extracts of Magnolia Bark and magnolol significantly inhibit promotion of skin tumors in mice induced by phase II carcinogenesis tests; magnolol shows marked inhibition of stress-induced ulcers. Decoctions exhibit antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus anthracis, Escherichia coli, Proteus species, Shigella species, and others. They also inhibit dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis, and others. Injection of Magnolia alkaloids at doses below muscle relaxant levels significantly lowers blood pressure. Ether extracts of Magnolia Bark have central nervous system inhibitory effects. Magnolia alkaloids relax skeletal muscle.