Magnolia: Princess of Spring
The magnolia trees in full blossom take my breath away. They are bouquets of ballerina shoes thrown against the sky in a dancing rush and a promise of uncontrollable beauty amongst the strange topsy-turvy start to 2025. Moments of sunshine and blossom are reminders to return to nourishing practices.
So– magnolia: let’s chat about her.
Common name: Magnolia
Latin name: Magnolia officionalis
Family: Magnoliaceae
Parts used: Bark and flowers
Actions: Mild Diaphoretic, Aromatic, Antibacterial, Antiviral, Stimulant, Gentle Laxative, Sudorific, Antiemetic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Digestive, Tonic
Key Constituents: Magnolol, Honokiol, Eudesmol
Energetics: Bitter, Acrid, Warm, Aromatic
Magnolia is one of the oldest flowering plants in existence. So old in fact, she has been around longer than the bees and is pollinated by beetles! There are many different species of magnolias, and almost all are medicinal. Magnolias to me are the elegant and girlish ladies, always dressed in tasteful jewels, in-the-know about everything, not afraid to set you straight. The flowers are bisexual, containing pistils and stamens, containing in them the inherent energy of self-reliance. They bloom early to mid spring, in a burst of pink and white buds. The buds are delicious pickled, but the bark contains stronger medicinal properties and is more commonly used in herbal practices.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses magnolia bark to treat food stagnation and abdominal distention, and anxiety and depression. Magnolia bark contains over 200 constituents, but two of them, Magnolol and Honokiol, have been studied for their anti anxiety actions 5 times stronger than valium, without any of the side effects, and antioxidant properties up to 1000 times more potent than Vitamin E. Magnolia bark can increase the activity of GABA receptors and reduce cortisol levels to ease anxiety and depression, especially when there is a component of GI discomfort. Magnolia’s energetics are warming, bitter, acrid, and aromatic, which moves qi stagnation, transforms phlegm in the body, and removes obstacles, both physical and emotional.
The tree itself is a symbol of gentleness, nobility, wisdom, and transformation. She is ruled by the Earth element and associated with the planet Jupiter. Folkloric practices have used magnolia blossoms placed in baths and beds to protect fidelity and bring honor.
In my clinical work, I have seen fantastic benefits with magnolia for clients suffering from debilitating anxiety and digestive upset. Particularly when anxiety aggravates the gut, causing distention, pain, or nausea. I find the bark to be grounding tree medicine, and the aromatics bring me instantly back from the ether, dispelling heaviness and disorientation. I have loved it combined with peach leaf, meadowsweet, and chamomile for anxiety with stomach discomfort, and combined with St. John’s Wort and rose for emotional ease and reslience.
