Hòu Pò · Magnolia Bark
Hòu Pò (厚朴, Magnolia Bark) is a herb of Warm nature and Bitter, Pungent flavor, in the “Qi-regulating herbs” category. Tradition uses it to move Qi and dry moisture, Transform phlegm and stop asthma, Relieve bloating and constipation.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Hòu Pò
- Characters
- 厚朴
- Botanical name
- Magnolia officinalis Rehder & E.H.Wilson
- Family
- Magnoliaceae
- Part used
- Bark
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Bitter, Pungent
- Meridians
- Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine
- Category
- Qi-regulating herbs
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China (Sichuan), China (Hubei)
Actions according to tradition
- Move Qi and dry moisture
- Transform phlegm and stop asthma
- Relieve bloating and constipation
Traditional uses
- Dampness clogging the Middle Jiao with distention and a feeling of fullness
- Constipation due to accumulation of Qi and heat
- Asthma and cough with phlegm due to cold
- Abdominal distension with diarrhea due to deficient spleen and dampness
- Vomiting and nausea due to dampness
Studied effects and current applications
- Dry moisture and move Qi in the Middle Jiao
- Transforms cold phlegm in the Lung to stop asthma
- Relieves bloating and constipation due to stagnant Qi
- Antibacteriano y antiinflamatorio intestinal
- Moderate anxiolytic (honokiol)
Applications under investigation
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic constipation
- bronchial asthma
- Anxiety (honokiol)
- Enfermedad de Crohn
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Yin deficiency with internal dryness
Relative contraindications
- Pregnancy in high doses
- Internal heat without dampness
- Pregnancy
- Use with caution. Avoid high doses during pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- Use with caution. Limited data.
- Children
- Use with caution and reduced dosage in children.
- Older adults
- Useful for digestion and constipation in the elderly. Caution with Yin deficiency.
Possible adverse effects
- Dryness in prolonged use
- Occasional gastric irritation
When to stop
- Yin deficiency worsens
- Sequedad severa
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedatives | Benzodiazepinas, Barbiturates | Mild | Hou Po honokiol may have additive anxiolytic effect Monitor sedation level. |
With other herbs
- chen_pi Classic Combination for Dampness and Qi Stagnation
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 3-9 g daily
- Powder
- 1-3 g daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 2-4 weeks
- Maximum
- Avoid prolonged use; can deplete Yin
- Children
- Use with caution in children.
Forms of preparation
Boil 3-9g in 3 cups of water for 30 min. May be added at the start or end.
Abdominal distension, constipation, asthma
Hou Po processed with ginger (姜厚朴) to reduce irritant potential. Same dose.
Sensitive stomach, nausea, vomiting
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Neolignan lignans (honokiol, magnolol) and magnocurarine
Neolignan biphenyl · Anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective
GABA-A modulation (allosteric site), NF-κB inhibition · 1-5% in bark
Neolignan biphenyl · Anxiolytic, antispasmodic, antioxidant
GABA-A modulation, calcium channel blockade · 2-8% in bark
Aporphinic alkaloids · Muscle relaxant, antispasmodic
Muscarinic receptor blockade, smooth muscle relaxation · 0.01-0.1%
Heteropolysaccharides · Intestinal anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator
Microbiota modulation, intestinal NF-κB inhibition · 5-15%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (April-June) and autumn, trees 15+ years old
Bark from branches and trunks of mature trees. It is peeled, dried and rolled. The bark of Magnolia officinalis from Sichuan (川厚朴) is the highest quality.
Rolled and dried bark. The gray outer bark is scraped off before drying.
Bark mixed with ginger juice and fried over medium heat.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
