The development and utilization of Magnolia officinalis (Houpo) is extensive, and it can be said that the whole plant is valuable. In addition to the traditional use of the bark, the flowers, leaves, and even the seeds can be used for medicinal purposes. The medicinal value of Magnolia officinalis is very high, which has led to a shortage of resources. Therefore, the government strongly advocates the cultivation of Magnolia officinalis to fully develop and utilize its potential and realize its full value.
1. The Use of Magnolia officinalis Flowers
Magnolia officinalis generally blooms from mid-March to late April each year. During this season, it is best to pick the flower buds that are about to bloom and dry them in the sun or in a well-ventilated place. This is called "raw sun-dried Magnolia officinalis flowers", also known as "raw flowers". After harvesting, steam them in a steamer for 4 to 8 minutes, and then dry them in the sun or at a low temperature. These are called "ripe Magnolia officinalis flowers".
The best quality flowers are those with a short stem, intact, brown-red color, and strong fragrance. Its taste is bitter and pungent, and it has the effects of regulating qi, eliminating dampness, and relieving chest oppression, chest pain, nasal congestion, rhinitis, stomachache, and cough. It is not suitable for those with Yin deficiency and dryness.
2. The Use of Fruits and Seeds
The fruits and seeds of Magnolia officinalis, also known as "Houshi", are mentioned in the book "Mingyi Bie Lu". Its taste is sweet, warm, and non-toxic. It has the effects of regulating qi, warming the middle, and promoting digestion. It can treat stomach pain, abdominal distension, asthma, and rhinitis.
3. The Use of Leaves
Magnolia officinalis leaves also have good medicinal value. The main chemical components are magnolol and honokiol, which have similar content and effects as the bark of Magnolia officinalis and can be used as a substitute for it. However, the dosage of leaves is 3 to 5 times higher than that of bark. The leaves can also be used to make health tea for warming the stomach, regulating qi, stopping coughs, and relieving asthma.
4. The Use as a Greening Tree
Magnolia officinalis is a perennial deciduous tree that can grow up to 16 meters tall. Its trunk is straight, and the flowers and leaves bloom at the same time. The flowers are large, beautiful, and fragrant, making it a good choice for roadside trees and an ideal tree species for landscaping and reforestation in barren mountains.
It is proven that Magnolia officinalis not only has extensive medicinal value, with every part of the plant being used, but it can also be cultivated as a greening tree. However, due to its long growth period, the cultivation process is slow. Therefore, the flowers, leaves, and fruits of Magnolia officinalis are widely used for medicinal purposes, which not only solves the problem of resource shortage but also maximizes the value of Magnolia officinalis, benefiting the research in the field of human healthcare.
