Magnolia Flos, Xin Yi 辛夷

Magnolia Flower
Xin Yi (TCM)
Picture Magnolia denudata
Kerner, J.S., Hortus sempervirens (1795-1830)

Picture Magnolia flower bud
(Photo by William (Ned) Friedman) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:


Magnolia spp.
  1. M. biondii
  2. M. denudata
  3. M. sprengeri

Parts used:


Flower bud

Temperature & Taste:


Warm, dry. Pungent

Classification:


A. Clear Exterior Wind-Cold

Uses:


1. Clears Wind, Opens the Nasal Passages:
-nasal congestion, Sinusitis, Rhinitis
-loss of the sense of Smell
-Sinus (Frontal) Headache
-also for Wind affecting the Eyes
-can be used for any type depending on the herbs its combined with
-Older texts used it to open all the Orifices: “facilitates the function of the nine orifices” (Ming Yi Bie Lu)

2. Settles Wind, Eases Pain:
-Headache, Toothache
-Dizziness, Vertigo
-traditionally for Chills and Fever
-also for Itchy of the body

3. Settles Wind, Opens Orifices, Calms the Mind:
-“Long term use … makes one feel Happy” (Shen Nong Ben Cao)
-“Retards senility and enables one to enjoy a long life”. (Shen Nong Ben Cao)

4. Externally:
-topically for Freckles and Chloasma (as a wash or cream)
-in creams to promote healthy skin and brighten the complexion


Dose:


Powder: 1–3 grams
Decoction: 3–9 grams. Due to fine hairs which can be irritating, the flowers are usually decocted in cheesecloth, or else strained through cloth once decocted.

Preparation:


Dry-Fried Magnolia Flower:
  “Slightly stir-fry the drug when it is used medically”. (Da Ming)
  The flowers are dry-fried over a low heat until yellowish. This removes the fine irritating hairs, increases the warming nature, and lessens the dispersing effect without reducing effectiveness.

Comment:


Li Shi Zhen said its light clear nature and upward movement helps bring the clear Yang Qi from the Stomach to the Head.

Main Combinations:


1. Sinus Congestion, Rhinitis, Allergic Rhinitis:
i. Grind the drug into powder, dip a piece of Spring Onion stalk in the powder and put into the nostril.
ii. Magnolia flower, Chrysanthemum Ju Hua
iii. Wind-Cold, Magnolia flower, Angelica Bai Zhi, Asarum Xi Xin
iv. Wind-Cold, Magnolia flower, Xanthium fructus Cang Er Zi
v. Magnolia flower, Xanthium fructus Cang Er Zi, Mint (Bo He), Scutellaria Huang Qin

Major Formulas:


Xin Yi San
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Cang Er Zi San

Cautions:


1. Not used in cases with Heat from Yin deficiency.
2. Not for Nasal congestion associated with Qi deficiency.
3. Not used for Headache from Blood deficiency or Toothache from strong Heat.

Drug Interactions:


1. Coltsfoot counteracts Magnolia flower

Toxicity:


Overdose can cause red eyes, dry nose, thirst and dizziness.
Allergic symptoms have been reported including itching and nausea.

Main Preparations used: