Magnolia flower bud (xin yi hua)

Magnolia biondii (syn. M. liliflora)

Traditionally attributed effects: warms and opens the nose in blocked sinuses and headache from wind-cold.

Safety notes

Not with yin deficiency with heat; an overdose can cause dizziness and red eyes. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Very drying.

Preparation

Dried flower buds. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that open the surface'. The hairy flower buds are boiled in a bag and used for a blocked nose and sinusitis; they are part of the Japanese Shin'iseihaito. In China the magnolia is the first tree to bloom in spring.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: pungent, warm
Meridians: lung, stomach

Attributed effects

Expels external cold and wind and opens the nose and sinuses in congestion, headache and rhinitis.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, added only at the end of cooking. Never boil for long: the action lies in the volatile oil.

Combinations

With bai zhi and cang er zi in cang er zi san for sinusitis and hay fever

Caution: Very drying.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Cang er zi san

Sources

All herbs from Asia →