Magnolia Bark (2% Honokiol)

History:

Magnolia is a magnificent family of forest trees that are revered for their beautiful, large, showy and deliciously fragrant flowers. Magnolias may be both evergreen and deciduous with luxuriant foliage and rich flowers and can reach a height of more than eighty feet, with some species much smaller. Magnolias can survive in both moist and dry soils (preferring well-drained moist) that can be neutral-to-acid-to-alkaline, in sun or partial shade with shelter from cold winds and late frosts. It is in flower from June to September, and the flowers are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by beetles. Magnolia can tolerate atmospheric pollution. When growing in warmer climates, the trees reach their greatest development. In 1703, Charles Plumier named the genus after Pierre Magnol, the most illustrious botanist in France at that time. For the most part, the genus is North American, where it was originally included in many herbal remedies of the Native Americans. Of the American varietals, Magnolia glauca is considered strongest for herbal medicinal use. There are also several species that are native to China (Magnolia officinalis) and Japan (Magnolia hypoleuca), where it has been an important component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for over two thousand years. Several species were listed in the United States Pharmacopœia from 1820 through 1894 as a tonic, stimulant and diaphoretic. It was even used as a substitute for quinine when treating malaria. Magnolia's wood, which is straight-grained, yellow in color, light, soft, easily worked and finishes well, is used for furniture, broom handles, bowls and light woodenware articles, and an essential oil from the flowers has been used in the manufacture of perfumes. Magnolia Bark is collected in the autumn, and the unopened flowers are harvested in the springtime and all partsof the plant are used in herbal medicines. Some of the constituents in Magnolia Bark include volatile oils (eudesmol, bornyl-acetate, etc.), alkaloids, magnolol, honokiol, magnoflorin, cyanidin, a bitter principle (good for digestion), tannin, zinc, copper, calcium, quercetin, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium and manganese, alpha- and beta-pinene, caffeic acid, camphene, campherol, caryophyllene-epoxide.

Magnolia Bark has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for at least two thousand years as an aromatic, pungent and warming stimulant that treats various disorders of the digestive system and strengthens stomach function. It is a bitter relaxant herb that acts as an herbal tonic and supports improved digestion, helping to relieve stomach pains, gastroenteritis and flatulence. Magnolia's 'stimulant' and 'tonic' benefits were included in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 through 1894.  It is thought to calm diarrhea and vomiting associated with indigestion, stimulate poor appetite and alleviate fullness and distension of the abdomen.

Considered a mild herbal diaphoretic, Magnolia Bark is said to increase perspiration and sweating and thus reduce fevers and cool the body, also echoing its historic inclusion in the U. S. Pharmacopoeia.  It has also been historically used in cases of malarial fevers and fevers of a typhoid type.

Magnolia Bark is believed to possess natural antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, antispasmodic, expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, the bark has been used as a support to relieve the pain and inflammation of rheumatism and gout, counteract yeast infections (such as leukorrhea) and combat upper respiratory tract infections and spasms, including asthma, coughs, profuse phlegm in the lungs, shortness of breath and fullness and pressure in the chest area.

In the fight against obesity and regarding weight management, Magnolia Bark has recently been recognized as an efficient fat burning support. It is said that the magnolol and honokial compounds in the herb effectively inhibit the body’s production of cortisol, the hormone that rises when we are under stress and, which, can affect many bodily functions, including weight gain. The compounds are believed to support the body’s efforts to break down and liberate fat stored in adipose (fat) cells via lipolytic activity, and thus suppress fat storage, particularly in the abdominal and belly area. Moreover, Magnolia Bark’s anxiolytic properties may contribute to this process by reducing stress, which potentially would also reduce cortisol and contribute to weight loss. Magnolia is also said to act as a mild laxative.

Magnolia Bark itself has been chewed as a substitute for tobacco and is said to "cure the habit."

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Magnolia Bark Herbal Supplement. Because Magnolia is a relaxant herb, overuse (many times the recommended dosage) may cause, sleepiness, vertigo and dizziness. There may be interactions with sleep and anxiety medication, and thus, it is important to consult your doctor before combining the two. Asian Medicine believes Magnolia Bark to be incompatible with Astragalus.

Capsule Information:
Our Magnolia Bark (2% Honokiol) supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.