Magnolias’ fragrant flowers are some of the first to herald spring’s arrival. The Garden’s collection showcases the many diverse shapes and lovely shades of these sweet-scented blooms. From March through April, these graceful trees bloom in an array of pastel colors, from luscious whites to pale yellows to deep pink and purple hues. You’ll find a stroll along Magnolia Way never fails to delight with the promise of warm days to come.
In South Asia, Magnolia flowers are a symbol of renewal and new beginnings. Magnolias adorn Indian temples during religious ceremonies that celebrate life milestones, such as births and weddings. In traditional Chinese medicine, Magnolias represent the release of blocked chi or life forces. A revitalizing essential oil, Magnolia instills courage and self-confidence.
Magnolia Officinalis is native to the mountains and valleys of China but can be found in other parts of Asia, including India and Japan.
Also Known As
- Ho-no-ki (Japan)
- Houpu (traditional Chinese medicine)
- Indian bark
- Japanese whitebark
The benefits of Magnolia
The elegant, fragrant magnolia tree grows worldwide as a decorative tree, but it also has roots in folk medicine. For hundreds of years, the Chinese used Magnolia for its calming effects on the nervous disorder and its ability to alleviate inflammatory conditions.
Magnolia essential oils strengthen the respiratory system, relieving congestion, bronchitis, and asthma. A hormone regulator, Magnolia, helps ease the discomfort of menstrual cramps and stimulates the appetite. Magnolia oils is a great detoxifier and boost the digestive and immune system. Evidence suggests that magnolia oil has the potential to prevent the growth of cancer cells.
Magnolia bark works as an anxiolytic, helping to lower anxiety and depression and reduce stress. Magnolia bark can also act as a sedative, directly contributing to facilitate sleep. (Of course, it’s anti-stress capabilities also help sleep, indirectly.)
Magnolia bark may soon be the next big thing in cavity-fighting toothpaste, suggests a 2016 study in Microbiology and Immunology. For this study, researchers in Japan formulated a series of biofilms infused with honokiol, magnolol, and a chlorhexidine (a surgical disinfectant). These were each applied to lab samples of Streptococcus mutants, a bacterial strain linked to tooth decay.
Also, some research — in humans and animals — suggests Magnolia may also be useful in these ways:
- As an antioxidant
- Lessen inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis
- Improve heart health. Magnolia may protect blood vessels from damage from LDL “bad” cholesterol and other causes.
- For liver protection
- Lower blood pressure
- Reduce the growth of bacteria
Magnolia flowers all have the same arrangement, a spiral of elegant showy “petals.” Still, within this simple layout, a variety of colors, sizes, and bloom times produce a fascinating array of diversity.
Magnolia has an array of beautiful flowers. Check out this website for more info. https://www.thespruce.com/twelve-species-magnolia-trees-and-shrubs-3269666