Hou Po

Magnolia officinalis

Physical Characteristics

Magnolia officinalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 12 m (39ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - W. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antiseptic Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Appetizer Digestive Diuretic Emmenagogue Expectorant Ophthalmic Stomachic Tonic Hou Po has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for at least 2,000 years. The aromatic, pungent and warming bark is used in the treatment of various disorders of the digestive system[254]. Ophthalmic[46, 61, 109, 174]. The flowers are an aromatic digestive tonic[238]. A decoction of the flower buds is an esteemed emmenagogue in China, their use is therefore contraindicated for pregnant women[218]. The flowers are used in the treatment of abdominal distension, shortness of breath etc[176, 238]. They are harvested in the summer and can be used fresh or dried[238]. The stem bark is antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, appetizer, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stomachic and tonic[46, 61, 109, 147, 174, 176, 218]. The bark is used internally in the treatment of abdominal distension, loss of appetite, gastro-enteritis, vomiting, diarrhoea, asthma and coughs with acute phlegm[147, 174, 176, 218, 238]. The bark is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[238]. It does not store well so stocks should be renewed annually[238]. The plant is digestive and stomachic[218]. Extracts of the plant contain bactericidal compounds and an essential oil, they are effective against salmonella[218].

Known Hazards

None known