Hou Po Magnolia Bark Known For Its Ability to Promote Digestive Health, and Reduce Phlegm
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) is an important herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its ability to promote digestive health, resolve stagnation, and reduce phlegm. The bark of the Magnolia officinalis tree is used for its powerful effects on the Spleen, Stomach, Lung, and Large Intestine meridians.
Magnolia Bark - Importance in TCM:
Hou Po is widely used for conditions like bloating, abdominal distension, and constipation. It helps to promote the movement of Qi (energy) in the digestive system, making it essential for resolving food stagnation and reducing dampness. Additionally, it is highly valued for treating cough and wheezing associated with excessive phlegm in the respiratory tract. In TCM, the ability of Hou Po to dry dampness and move Qi makes it a cornerstone herb for digestive and respiratory issues.
Mechanism of Action:
Hou Po contains bioactive compounds such as magnolol and honokiol, which provide its primary effects. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
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Qi Regulation: Hou Po's primary mechanism is to move Qi in the digestive tract, reducing stagnation. By doing so, it relieves bloating, abdominal fullness, and discomfort caused by digestive stagnation or accumulation of food.
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Dampness Reduction: It is also effective in resolving dampness, a condition characterized by sluggish digestion and the accumulation of moisture or phlegm in the body. This makes it useful in treating diarrhea and phlegm-related coughs.
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Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The compounds magnolol and honokiol have shown antimicrobial effects against certain pathogens, and their anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in both the digestive and respiratory systems.
Hou Po's unique combination of digestive regulation and respiratory support makes it a versatile and essential herb in TCM practice.
Health Benefits of Magnolia Bark:
- Anxiolytic Effects: Magnolia bark can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm.
- Antioxidant Properties: It contains compounds that act as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Magnolia bark can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is beneficial for overall health.
- Anti-Microbial Properties: It has antimicrobial properties that may help fight off various pathogens.
- Transforms phlegm
- Removes dampness and stagnation in the spleen and stomach
- Benefits healthy digestion
Product Properties: Bitter, Acrid, Warm, Aromatic
Nutrients Found in Magnolia Bark:
| Nutrient | Function |
|---|---|
| Honokiol and Magnolol | Have anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects |
| Phenolic Compounds | Act as antioxidants, protecting cells from damage |
| Magnesium | Supports nerve function and muscle relaxation |
| Calcium | Important for bone health and muscle function |
Herbal Information for Magnolia Bark in Cut Form
Product Description
Common Name: Magnolia Bark
Botanical Name: Magnolia officinalis; Cortex
Channels/Meridians: Large Intestine, Lung, Spleen, Stomach
Pin Yin Name: Juan Hou Po
Other Names: Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 1 pound
Form: Cut / Sliced, Curled Cut, not uniform pieces.
Origin: China
Brand: Nuherbs Lab Test - Geo-Authentic Herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not take in large doses.
Naturally Occurring Components: Magnolol, tetrahydromagnolol, isomagnolol, honokiol, Randainal, syringaresinol, syringaresinol 4-O-Beta-D-glucopyranoside,
6'-O-methyl-honokiol, magnaldehyde, B, C; magnolignan A, B, C, D, E
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket
About Nuherbs Lab Tested Quality
Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by our in-house lab and independent third party lab. Our in-house lab is equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatography, moisture determination meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc.
In addition, the following additional tests are performed:
- Micro bacteria
- Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen).
- Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic
Traditional Chinese Herbs encompasses the use of different parts of plants, such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds. These plant parts are often used as a tea, decoctions, extracts, made into capsules or even a footbath. These bulk herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony and balance.
We encourage you to educate yourself on herbs and supplements, by researching reputable sites, and books. Having an open discussion with your physician on what will be most beneficial for your health issues. And lastly discussing interaction of herbs and pharmaceuticals with your pharmacist or physician.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27721050/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5365644/
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/hou-po
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/magnolia-bark#1
