Hou Po
StarMagnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils.
☯ TCM Properties
Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm; Descends Qi and Relieves Distension; Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation; Calms Wheezing
Traditional Chinese Uses
Hou Po (magnolia bark) is a warm, bitter-pungent herb that moves Qi, dries Dampness, and descends rebellious Qi in the Stomach and Lung. It is a primary herb for abdominal fullness, distension, and obstruction from Qi stagnation and Dampness in the middle burner. Its descending action also calms Lung Qi to relieve cough and wheezing with chest fullness. Because it moves and dries, it must be used cautiously in Yin deficiency and is contraindicated in pregnancy without careful formulation.
Western Herbalism Properties
Used In Formulas (5)
Botanical Description
Magnolia officinalis is a deciduous tree in the Magnoliaceae, endemic to mountainous regions of central and southern China, where it grows in mixed broadleaved forests between 300 and 1,500 m elevation. Mature specimens reach 15-25 m tall with a straight trunk, ascending branches and a broad, rounded crown. The bark is smooth and pale grey on young trees, becoming thicker, fissured and brownish with age, and is strongly aromatic when cut. The large, alternate leaves are obovate to elliptic, 20-45 cm long, leathery, dark green above and pale glaucous beneath, often clustered toward the branch tips. In early summer the tree bears solitary, fragrant, cup-shaped flowers 10-15 cm across, with 9-12 fleshy, creamy-white tepals. The aggregate fruit is a long, cylindrical, cone-like structure of follicles that split to release scarlet, fleshy-coated seeds. Cultivated trees are typically harvested for medicinal bark after 15-20 years.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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