Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex
Aliases：Chuan Pu, Zi You Hou Pu, Wen Pu, Chi Pu, Lie Pu
Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), a Chinese medicinal, is the dried trunk bark, root bark, and branch bark of Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils. or Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils. var. biloba Rehd. et Wils., plants of the Magnoliaceae family (genus Magnolia).
Efficacy & Actions
Dry dampness and transform phlegm; descend qi and relieve distension.
Indications
Dampness obstructing the middle jiao, epigastric and abdominal distension, food stagnation with qi stagnation, abdominal distension with constipation, phlegm‑fluid with wheezing and cough, plum pit qi (globus hystericus – sensation of a foreign body in the throat), etc.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑inflammatory: Magnolol and honokiol inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators. Antibacterial: Inhibits Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae, cariogenic bacteria, etc. Anti‑ulcer: Protects the gastric mucosa and promotes ulcer healing. Central nervous system depression: Exhibits sedative and anticonvulsant effects. Antitumor: Inhibits various tumor cells. Antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals. Anti‑allergic: Inhibits the release of allergic mediators. Muscle relaxant: Relaxes skeletal muscle.
Ingredients
Lignans (main active components): Magnolol, honokiol, magnolialdehyde, magnolignan, etc. Magnolol and honokiol are the quality control markers in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Volatile oils: Terpenoids such as eudesmol, α‑pinene, β‑pinene, limonene, etc. Alkaloids: Magnocurarine, etc. Others: Tannins, saponins, polysaccharides, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–10 g in decoction; or used in pills or powders. Precaution: Houpo contains volatile oils; do not decoct for a prolonged period.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Use with caution during pregnancy; avoid in cases of qi deficiency with fluid damage or yin deficiency with dry cough. Precautions for use: Slightly toxic; avoid excessive or long‑term use. Adverse reactions: Safe at conventional doses; overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.
Selected Formulas
1. For dampness stagnating in the middle jiao with epigastric and abdominal distension and white greasy tongue coating (Source: Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang – Peaceful Holy Benevolent Prescriptions, “Pingwei San”) Ingredients: Houpo (Magnolia bark), Cangzhu (Atractylodes rhizome), Chenpi (aged tangerine peel), Gancao (licorice). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 2. For gastrointestinal accumulation with constipation and abdominal distension (Source: Treatise on Cold Damage, “Houpo Sanwu Tang”) Ingredients: Houpo, Dahuang (Rhubarb), Zhishi (Immature bitter orange). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 3. For phlegm-dampness internal retention with lung qi reversal manifesting as wheezing, cough, and chest stuffiness (Source: Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang, “Suzi Jiangqi Tang”) Ingredients: Houpo, Suzi (Perilla fruit), Chenpi, Banxia (Pinellia). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 4. For cold rheum transforming into heat with cough, wheezing, chest fullness, irritability, and gurgling phlegm sounds (Source: Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, “Houpo Mahuang Tang”) Ingredients: Houpo, Mahuang (Ephedra), Shigao (Gypsum), Xingren (Bitter apricot seed). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 5. For pre‑existing wheezing disorder complicated by wind‑cold attack, with exterior syndrome still present and mild wheezing (Source: Treatise on Cold Damage, “Guizhi Jia Houpo Xingzi Tang”) Ingredients: Houpo, Guizhi (Cinnamon twig), Xingren, Shengjiang (Fresh ginger). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. 6. For plum pit qi (globus hystericus) due to phlegm‑qi binding in the throat (Source: Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, “Banxia Houpo Tang”) Ingredients: Houpo, Banxia, Fuling (Poria), Suye (Perilla leaf). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally.
Daily Consumption
1. Houpo and Chenpi Tea Ingredients: 3 g Houpo (Magnolia bark), 5 g Chenpi (aged tangerine peel). Preparation: Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. Indication: For epigastric and abdominal distension, food stagnation with indigestion. 2. Houpo, Ginger and Red Date Decoction Ingredients: 6 g Houpo, 3 slices of fresh ginger, 5 red dates (jujube). Preparation: Decoct in water and take orally. Indication: For stomach cold with distension and pain. 3. Houpo Lean Pork Soup Ingredients: 5 g Houpo, 100 g lean pork. Preparation: Stew together for 1 hour, drink the soup and eat the pork. Indication: For dampness obstructing the middle jiao with poor appetite.
Medicinal Parts
bark (trunk bark, root bark, and branch bark)
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects. Houpo (Magnolia bark) contains volatile oils; it should not be stored for a prolonged period to prevent loss of its aroma.