Medicinal Properties of the Magnolia Flower

Beginning in the first century, Chinese herbalists used the bark and flowers of the magnolia tree for medicinal purposes. Indigenous to the Gulf Coast of Mexico and Central America, and the Himalayas of northern China, each aromatic magnolia flower contains between six and 12 petals. According to HerbalRemedies.com, magnolia bark and magnolia flower differ in properties and have separate uses. Magnolia flower, or xin yi hua in Chinese, comes in varied forms, including pills, powders, ointments and extracts, which aid in the treatment of various maladies.

Respiratory Infections

• Correlated with the lungs, the magnolia flower's main function is to free the airway of congestion that is caused by respiratory infections, according to HerbalRemedies.com. A solution made from this flower also aids in the treatment of asthma. The Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine website states that the most common magnolia formula consists of a combination of magnolia flower and the herb xanthium, which can be blended into a tea or taken in capsule form.

Digestive Aid

• Magnolia flower produces a yellow dye containing medicinal properties, which mitigate the effects of digestive problems, according to TopTropicals.com. Nausea is eased by the use of this magnolia flower extract that also acts as a diuretic.

Magnolia Oil

• TopTropicals.com maintains that oil derived from the magnolia flower helps to deter ophthalmia, or eye inflammation, and swelling of the joints. According to the website, Russian herbalists use oil made from magnolia flowers and leaves as a cure for hair loss and as an antiseptic for wounds.

Magnolia Bud

• Magnolia bud and petals

  Gathered in early spring, magnolia buds and petals are sun dried for use in an herbal mixture. The herb of the magnolia flower bud, when applied to the nasal passageway, reduces mucus production, thus repressing sinus inflammation. The magnolia flower and bud help to clear nasal passages and alleviate sinus headaches. When administered directly to the gums, the magnolia flower bud helps to lessen toothache pain.