Magnolia

Jun 30 • Written by Carmin Nezat

Magnolia trees are thought to be one of the earliest flowering plants; they existed before bees, moths and butterflies and have evolved to be pollinated by beetles and flies although they are obviously not limited to those insects1. Fossils of Magnoliaceae date back to 95 million years.2 Today and historically, various species of magnolia are used for a variety of different ailments. Rheumatism, gastrointestinal support, inflammation, anxiety/depression, respiratory ailments, fever and headache. The flowers are edible, can be pickled and have a very unique taste.  

Magnolia acuminata is commonly called “cucumber tree”, “mountain magnolia”, or “blue magnolia.” It is native within the Appalachian belt up to Southern Ontario. The Cherokee used an infusion of the bark for toothache, stomach ache and cramps; Used in steam bath for 'indigestion or biliousness with swelling abdomen’, and made a compound medicine containing bark taken for 'bloody flux.' It was also used as lumber for making furniture. 3 Traditionally and presently, it is a “diaphoretic, tonic, aromatic stimulant and laxative. The bark is used for rheumatism malaria (a substitute for quinine) and stomach cramps.”4 

Magnolia grandiflora is commonly called “Southern Magnolia,” “laurier tullipier,” “bull bay”, and “evergreen magnolia.” It is native to the Southeastern United states and the one most folks think of when they hear “magnolia tree.” The Choctaw used a decoction of plant/bark as wash/bath for prickly heat itching; Infusion of mashed bark used as a steambath for ‘dropsy’.5 The Koasati (Coushatta) used a decoction of bark as a wash for sores.6  Traditionally and presently, the bark is used for gastrointestinal ailments and support, anxiety/stress/depression, headaches, strokes and asthma; the flower buds are used for colds, sinus issues, headaches and fever; can be applied to gums for toothache and also for lightening dark spots on skin.7  

Magnolia macrophylla is commonly called “Bigleaf magnolia” and “umbrella tree.” It is native to the Southeastern United States and Eastern Mexico. The Cherokee seemingly used this species interchangeably with Magnolia acuminata as the applications are documented as being the same: used an infusion of the bark for toothache, stomach ache and cramps; Used in steam bath for 'indigestion or biliousness with swelling abdomen’, and made a compound medicine containing bark taken for 'bloody flux.' It was also used as lumber for making furniture.8 Traditionally and presently, “the bark is used for stomach ache and cramps and a warm infusion snuffed for sinus problems and/or swished in mouth for toothache.”9 

Magnolia virginiana is commonly called “sweetbay,” “laurier doux,” “swamp bay,” “laurel magnolia,” “swamp magnolia,” and “beaver tree.” It is native to the lowlands and swamps of the Atlantic coastal plain of the eastern United States, from Florida to Long Island, New York. The Houma used a decoction of leaves and twigs to “warm the blood,” for chills and for colds.10 Traditionally and presently, this species is ”considered to be the most powerful of magnolia species for rheumatism. It is also a diaphoretic, stimulant and tonic for malaria and hypertension.”11  

In addition to folk methods and medicine, there have been a few clinical trials done on magnolia and it’s effects on the human body. In vitro and animal studies document potential efficacy of Magnolia officianalis (the Chinese species) as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent, as well as for use with Alzheimer disease, depression, diabetes, and menopause.12  ”Magnolia officinalis Cortex (M. officinalis) is a traditional herbal drug widely used in Asian countries. Depending on its multiple biological activities, M. officinalis is used to regulate gastrointestinal (GI) motility, relieve cough and asthma, prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, and treat depression and anxiety.”13 

1 Pollinators: Magnolias and Beetle Pollination
2 Crane, P.R. (1988). "The phylogenetic position and fossil history of the Magnoliaceae". In Hunt, David R. (ed.). Magnolias and their allies: Proceedings of an International Symposium, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, U.K., 12-13 April 1996. Milbourne Port. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-9517234-8-7. OCLC 40781614. 
3 Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses -- A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 44. BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database
4 Martin, Corrine. The Louisiana Herb Journal: Healing on Home Ground. LSU press, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. P 139.
5 Taylor, Linda Averill, 1940, Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes, Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University, page 23. BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database
6 Taylor, Linda Averill, 1940, Plants Used As Curatives by Certain Southeastern Tribes, Cambridge, MA. Botanical Museum of Harvard University, page 23. BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database 
7 Martin, Corrine. The Louisiana Herb Journal: Healing on Home Ground. LSU press, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. P 139 
8 Hamel, Paul B. and Mary U. Chiltoskey, 1975, Cherokee Plants and Their Uses -- A 400 Year History, Sylva, N.C. Herald Publishing Co., page 44. BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database
9 Martin, Corrine. The Louisiana Herb Journal: Healing on Home Ground. LSU press, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. P 140 
10 Speck, Frank G., 1941, A List of Plant Curatives Obtained From the Houma Indians of Louisiana, Primitive Man 14:49-75, page 56. BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database 
11 Martin, Corrine. The Louisiana Herb Journal: Healing on Home Ground. LSU press, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. P 140 12 Magnolia Bark Extract Uses, Benefits & Dosage - Drugs.com Herbal Database 13 The rich pharmacological activities of Magnolia officinalis and secondary effects based on significant intestinal contributions - PubMed (nih.gov)

Image 1 Taken by Larry Allain, US Geological Survey (https://warcapps.usgs.gov/PlantID/Species/Details/2092)
Image 2 (https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-the-state-flower-of-louisiana-louisiana-state-flower.html)
Image 3 Taken by Kelby Ouchley, Bayou-Diversity (https://warcapps.usgs.gov/PlantID/Species/Details/2094)
Image 4 (https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/magnolia-virginiana/)