MaGNOLIaS

Magnolia grandiflora, Magnoliaceae

*Note: these findings explore Magnolia grandiflora,
however, many Magnolia species may be used interchangeably,
such as: M. acuminata, M. fraseri, M. tripetala, M.ashei, M. virginiana, and M. soulangeana.
I was harvesting on the West Coast of Canada and this was the species abundant to me.
The medicine we made was from fresh flowers and buds. The plants were given a new moon bath as well as sun infused.
The new moon providing this medicine with new intentions, possibilities, potential, and inward reflection

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The magnolia blooms in the spring usher in renewal and offer a portal into deep time. They are the keepers of memory and story. Magnolias are living fossil and are among the oldest flowering plants. They have been around since the Cretaceous period, living with dinosaurs, and existing through five mass extinctions. They are rooted in strength, resilience, growth, and inner wisdom. This inner wisdom can lead to self-discovery, true purpose, and meaning through trusting your gut and exploring threshold energies. Their deep connection can help you to bridge to what is deeply old within you and around you. They bloom throughout Aries and Taurus season. The big Aries energy of the dramatic blossoms sparks passion and a bringing together of community. While the transition into Taurus plays more with the plants stability, groundedness, and slowness, joining the wisdom and flamboyance of this plant.

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MATERIA MEDICA

◦Conservation Status: broad, abundant habitat and widely cultivated. Globally, however, some wild varieties are threatened due to development, forestry, and invasive species.
◦Habitat:‍ endemic to the Southern states, however, is grown globally. Grows near wetland and along flowing water, can grow near waste water sites.
◦Harvesting Considerations:‍ harvest away from busy roads and waste water sites, be mindful of navigating private property.
◦Description:‍ magnolias are deciduous trees that begin to bloom in late March and April. It has large, evergreen leaves with copper, fuzzy undersides and big white or pink flowers.
◦Parts Used: bark, leaves, flowers, cones, and seeds. It is generally thought that all parts of the tree share the same medicinal uses. The seeds and bark are rich in bio-active compounds, such
as honokiol and magnolol.
◦Taste: bitter, aromatic, ginger, pepper. The flower flavour varies among varieties, but tend towards spicy and floral flavour.
◦Energetic: calming, cooling, drying, downward-moving, grounding and clearing. It is aromatic, and bitter.
◦Organ Affinities: the nervous system, digestive system, and respiratory system.
◦Folk + Histories + Traditions:
-The Choctaw and Koasati tribes used the bark for skin problems, as kidney aids, and to treat colds.
-Magnolia bark, “Houpo” has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years to treat digestive disorders, respiratory issues, anxiety, and inflammation.
-In Japan, magnolia is a part of the Kampo medicine formulations for relaxation and gastrointestinal health.
-Can be seen as an emblem or symbol of southern charm. It is the state flower of Louisiana, and both the state tree and state flower of Mississippi. It has also been added to the new
Mississippi flag, replacing the previously confederate one.
-In Oaxaca, Mexico, the indigenous Zapotec people use the flowers of Magnolia yajlachii to treat asthma.
-In other parts of Mexico, the Yoloxóchitl tree, Magnolia mexicana, is used to treat a wide range of nervous system ailments including, anger, nerves, terror, sadness, and epileptic seizures.
-Flos Magnoliae, known in China as “xin yi hua”, are the unopened flower buds of magnolia and are used to treat asthma, sinus congestion, and sinus headaches. They’re commonly used for
colds and to alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms.
-The Cherokee used magnolia for sinus troubles.
-Early Americans put the bark in brandy as a cough medicine.
-It was used as a backup treatment for Malaria in the US.
◦Cautions + Contraindications: generally seen as safe. Some may experience dizziness, headache, or gastrointestinal discomfort. High doses can lead to excessive sedation, or laxative effects.
Contraindicated in pregnancy, and with adrenal weakness because of its drying nature.

◦Primary Actions: anxiolytic, sedative, GABA enhancer, digestive aid, anti-spasmodic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory

◦Secondary Actions
-Helps the brain and nervous system by calming the mind and reducing anxiety.
-Promote relaxation and reduces stress.
-Support sleep, helping with insomnia.
-Balances hormones.
-Offers neuro and cognitive support.
-Reduces inflammation helping with pain related to rheumatism, arthritis, and joint stiffness.
-Its bio-active constituents, primarily honokiol and magnolol found in the bark and seeds, act as a strong anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory.
-Aids in stomach discomfort, bloating, constipation, indigestion, cramps, aches, and diarrhea.
-Relieves congestion, coughing, asthma, respiratory infections, and chronic bronchitis. 
-Supports heart health, lower blood pressure, and reduce vascular inflammation.
-Aids in reducing fat buildup around the liver and supports detoxification.
-Alleviates allergic reactions, asthma, stuffy nose, and sinus headaches.
-Used to treat abdominal discomfort and muscle spasms.
-Used to treat heart disturbances and manage high blood pressure.
-Southern herbalist Darryl Patton says it may be helpful for treating tremors, Bell's Palsy, and Parkinson's Disease, further inquiry required.
-Help with nicotine dependence by chewing on bark or drinking tea.
-Mathew Hunter says “it is a great plant to know in the event of supply chain emergency” for those who suffer from seizures.

◦Preparation + Dosage
-Tincture: cut a young shoot/small branch, strip the bark with a knife. Add fresh plant material to a jar and cover it with 95% pure grain alcohol. Let the jar sit for 2-4 weeks, shaking daily,
then strain it and bottle. Use 30-60 drops (1-2 dropperfuls), 3 times per day for medicinal use. 60 drops may sometimes gives a mild headache on an empty stomach.
-Tea: to make tea add 4-6 cups water to a pot, then a pinch of the chopped, dried bark and boil for 15 minutes. Remember that it is a bitter plant. Medicinal standard dosage is 3 cups per day.
-Food: white magnolia petals have a more delicate flavour while dark pink blossoms tend to be more bitter. The best magnolia blossoms to harvest are the ones in between.
-Dried petals will retain less flavour, for more flavour use darker blossoms
-Eaten raw as lettuce wraps, and addition to sushi or salads
-Dried and powdered substitute in baking for ginger
-Dehydrate and use in place of ginger or chai
-Battered and fried
-Pickled
-Honeyed

Sources

Around the World in 80 Plants
Britannica
Christopher Hobbs
Flora Journal
Food Republic
Legacy Wilderness Academy
Nature Serve Explorer
Science Direct
Springer
Yale Nature Walk