Magnolia flower (Xinyi)

Pharmaceutical Name: Flos Magnoliae

Botanical Name: 1. Magnolia biondii Pamp. 2. Magnolia denudata Desr. 3. Magnolia Sprengeri Pamp.

Common Name: Magnolia flower

Source of Earliest Records: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparation: The flowerbuds are gathered in the early spring and dried in the sun.

Properties & Taste: Pungent and warm

Meridians: Lung and stomach

Functions:
1. To expel wind and cold;
2. To open the nasal cavity

Indications & Combinations: Rhinorrhea manifested as nasal obstruction, headache, runny nose and loss of smell. For the cold-type of rhinorrhea followed by white, dilute and profuse nasal discharge, Magnolia flower (Xinyi) is used with Asarum herb (Xixin), Dahurian angelica root (Baizhi) and Xanthium fruit (Cang'erzi). For the heat-type of rhinorrhea with yellow, thick and scanty nasal discharge, Magnolia flower (Xinyi) is used with Mentha (Bohe) and Scutellaria root (Huangqin).

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: Overdosing causes redness of eyes and dizziness.