The most impressive health benefits of magnolia include its ability to ease anxiety, reduce gingivitis, treat menstrual cramps, and improve respiratory health. Magnolia bark also helps detoxify the body, aid in weight loss, and protect against severe allergic reactions.
What is Magnolia?
Magnolia is a broad term that encompasses more than 200 different species within the Magnoliaceae family of flowering plants. The flowers and bark of magnolia plants have been praised for their multiple medicinal applications. Some of the healing properties are based in traditional medicine, while others have been revealed through modern research into the precise chemical components of the flower, its extracts, and the composition of the bark. Magnolia has long been praised in Chinese traditional medicine but it is now widely regarded as a beneficial supplement or herbal remedy around the world. [1]
Native to East and Southeast Asia, particularly China, this ancient type of flower has been around for more than 100 million years, predating even the evolution of bees. Some of its varieties are also endemic to North America, Central America, and parts of South America. The hardy nature of the shrubs and trees on which these flowers grow have allowed it to survive and thrive in harsh conditions over so much evolutionary time, and it has developed a unique nutrient and organic compound composition over that time as well, representing potentially powerful health benefits. [2]
Magnolia is a large genus of about 210 flowering plant species in the subfamily Magnolioideae of the family Magnoliaceae. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Health Benefits of Magnolia
Let us look at the most important health benefits of the magnolia flower and bark.
Anxiety Treatment
Honokiol has certain anxiolytic qualities that directly impact the hormonal balance in the body, particularly in terms of stress hormones. By regulating the endocrine system, magnolia might help reduce anxiety and stress by soothing the mind and lowering hormone release in the body. [3]
Reduces Gingivitis
A study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene showed that magnolia extract helped reduce gingivitis, in which gums become inflamed and bleed easily. [4]
Menstrual Cramps
The volatile components found in magnolia flowers and bark are also considered soothing or relaxing agents, reducing inflammation and muscle tension when consumed. Herbal practitioners would prescribe magnolia flower buds to ease the menstrual cramp. When it comes to menstrual discomfort, its supplements are often recommended, as they may provide relief, as well as improve mood and prevent the emotional peaks and valleys associated with the pre-menstrual period. [5]
Respiratory Issues
Magnolia has long been used to relieve certain respiratory conditions, including bronchitis, coughing, excess phlegm, and even asthma. It naturally stimulates the corticosteroids in the body to respond to conditions like asthma, thereby relieving inflammation and preventing asthmatic attacks, according to studies on Chinese traditional medicines. [6] [7]
Anti-allergenic
In a similar vein to magnolia’s effects against asthma, the steroid-mimicking properties of its extracts help prevent allergic reactions in those who regularly suffer from these symptoms. If you have hay fever, seasonal allergies, or specific allergen sensitivity, magnolia supplements can help strengthen your resistance and keep you feeling your best! [8] [9]
Promotes Weight Loss
Although magnolia bark can actually increase weight by stimulating food cravings due to its corticosteroid nature, magnolia supplements may help suppress appetite, which can help anyone trying to lose weight. A clinical study involving healthy premenopausal women showed that a combination of Magnolia Officinalis and Phellodendron amurense extracts helped aid weight loss in the participants. However, further studies are needed to explore this health benefit. So, be sure you speak to a professional herbalist or alternative medical professional to get the best advice on what kind of supplement would best serve your needs. [10]
Manages Diabetes
One of the reasons that magnolia has gotten so much press in recent years is its bark’s active compounds’ ability to mimic cortisol, the stress-hormone reducing factor in our body. By acting as cortisol, it has the potential to help the body control its release and management of blood sugar. This could go a long way toward preventing the development of diabetes. [11] [12]
Improves Liver Health
Along with stimulating the lymphatic system and increasing the level of toxins being eliminated from the body, magnolia has also been linked to reducing the build-up of fat around the liver, one of the primary causes of liver failure following excessive alcohol consumption, also called ALD (Alcohol Liver Disease). Researchers have shown it to be a promising remedy for this widespread problem for people who drink excessively and want to retain a high quality of life as they age. [13] [14]
Word of Caution: Magnolia extracts and supplements are extremely powerful. Hence, it is not recommended in large doses. Moreover, they shouldn’t be used by pregnant women, as they are known to cause vertigo, dizziness, and headaches. Its bark contains high concentrations of chemicals and can cause respiratory paralysis in animals or infant children, so should be avoided in those situations.
