The first magnolias cultivated in the UK actually came from the southern states of the USA and were evergreen. The earliest one, the virginiana, sweetly perfumed, arrived in 1688, but was overtaken in popularity a few decades later by the magnificent grandiflora. These, like the many beautiful varieties introduced to Britain in the early 20thcentury, are now mainly grown as ornamentals. Both evergreen and deciduous magnolias are now indigenous only to China, Japan and the warmer areas of the Americas.
The deciduous magnolia tree in our garden is M. liliiflora, (Black Lily), a Chinese native with richly purple blooms. Medicinal properties are generally connected with Magnolia officinalis, shown below, also native to China, and one of many deciduous varieties with creamy white flowers. Grown commercially for medicinal extracts, the bark being particularly useful, it is also found in gardens around the world.
Medicinal properties
The bark from Magnolia officinalis is the main source of herbal medicines from magnolia, such that the tree itself is commonly referred to as magnolia-bark. The aromatic bark, stripped from the stem, branches and roots, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine used since 100 A.D. and is also used by modern medicinal herbalists. In Russia, herbalists soak the bark in vodka, which may add different properties. Other species of magnolia are also used by Western herbalists, including Magnolia virginiana, M. glauca, M. acuminate and M. tripetata.
The flowers and unopened buds also have medicinal properties and are used in the treatment of sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.
Magnolia is considered to be anti-allergenic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic and anti-spasmodic. It is prescribed for many ailments and conditions:
Anxiety Asthma Bronchitis Coughs Diarrhoea Gastro-enteritis
Indigestion and abdominal bloating Loss of appetite Menstrual cramps
Nausea Rheumatism Typhoid Ulcers Weight loss
Current scientific research not only supports the pharmaceutical value of M. officinalis extracts, which include magnolol and honokiol, but also suggests new areas for treatment may be possible, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and memory loss.
WARNING
Magnolia officinalis is considered safe taken in the recommended dosage. However, it is generally advised that it should not be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, babies or children, or anyone suffering from dehydration or liver or kidney disease.
Other uses
Many perfume houses have produced their own versions of magnolia scent, though because there is no such thing as magnolia oil, these scents are usually made with synthetic ingredients or extracts from other flowers such as rose and jasmine.
Myth and Magic
The Chinese consider magnolias to symbolise the feminine, or Yin, and in their decorative arts a magnolia represents a beautiful woman.
In the British Victorian language of flowers, a magnolia spoke of dignity and nobility; in southern US states it is found in bridal bouquets as a mark of purity and nobility; and it is the state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi.
Modern paganism attaches meaning to the colours of flowers, and thus white magnolia flowers relate to the moon, yellow to the sun, while pink ones are associated with the goddess of love.
Acknowledgments – thanks for much information to:
http://www.organicfacts.net
http://www.herbwisdom.com
http://www.caerhays.co.uk
http://www.flowermeaning.com
http://www.herbs2000.com
http://www.encylopedia.com [quoting from the Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine]
