Officinal Magnolia Flower
- Chinese
- 厚朴花
- Pinyin
- Hou Pu Hua
- Latin
- Flos Magnoliae Officinalis
Known in TCM as Hou Pu Hua (厚朴花), this acrid and slightly bitter, warm herb enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Lung. Traditionally, it regulates Qi and resolves Dampness; relieves chest and epigastric fullness and distension from Qi stagnation with Dampness, most often applied for abdominal distension, chest pain, and poor appetite. Modern research has identified Volatile among its active constituents.
Part used: Flower
Also Known As
Latin: Flos Magnoliae Officinalis | Pinyin: Hou Pu Hua | Chinese: 厚朴花
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid, slightly bitter
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Spleen, Stomach, Lung
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Regulates Qi and resolves Dampness; relieves chest and epigastric fullness and distension from Qi stagnation with Dampness
- Regulates Liver Qi and calms the Spirit for a stifling sensation in the chest and stomachache from Liver-Stomach disharmony
Secondary Actions
- Shares actions with Hou Po (Magnolia bark) but is milder, with a greater focus on the Upper and Middle Burners
Classical References
- Documented in later Chinese materia medica as the flower-bud counterpart to Hou Po (Magnolia bark), used for similar but gentler Qi-regulating indications
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Volatile oils
- Magnolol and honokiol (trace, shared with Magnolia bark)
Studied Effects
- Dedicated modern pharmacological study specific to the flower is limited; most Magnolia officinalis research focuses on the bark (Hou Po)
Safety & Interactions
Cautions
- Yin deficiency with Heat signs
Conditions
- Abdominal Distension Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Chest Pain Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Poor Appetite Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Liver Qi Stagnation Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Officinal Magnolia Flower used for?
Officinal Magnolia Flower is traditionally used to Regulates Qi and resolves Dampness; relieves chest and epigastric fullness and distension from Qi stagnation with Dampness, Regulates Liver Qi and calms the Spirit for a stifling sensation in the chest and stomachache from Liver-Stomach disharmony. Research has investigated its effects on: Dedicated modern pharmacological study specific to the flower is limited; most Magnolia officinalis research focuses on the bark (Hou Po).
What are other names for Officinal Magnolia Flower?
Officinal Magnolia Flower is also known as Magnolia officinalis flower, Magnolia. In TCM: 厚朴花 (Hou Pu Hua); Flos Magnoliae Officinalis.
Is Officinal Magnolia Flower safe during pregnancy?
Officinal Magnolia Flower is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.