The source is from the dried bark and bark of branch, root of Magnolia officinalis Rehd. et Wils. or M. officinalis Rehd. et Wils. var. biloba Rehd. et Wils., family Magnoliaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in Sichuan, Hubei, and Anhui provinces, etc., skined during April, May and June. Bark of branch and root are directly dried in shade and the dried bark is put in boiling water for a while and then piled in the wet shade for sweating until the surface becomes purple-brown or brown color. The bark softened is rolled up, and then dried. The crude one may be used or the prepared one with ginger juice is used. Medicinal Properties Bitter and pungent in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the spleen, stomach, lung and large intestine meridians. Actions Activate circulation of qi, remove dampness, promote digestion and relieve dyspnea. Application 1. For obstruction of dampness and stagnation of qi in the middle energizer manifested as epigastic and abdominal distention and pain, nausea, etc.. It is good at relieving fullness and distention and usually combined with Cangzhu ( Rhizoma Atractylodis ), Jupi ( Pericarpium Cirri Tangerinae , etc., such as Pingwei San (Powder). 2. For accumulation of food and stagnation of qi in the stomach and intestine with constipation, it is usually combined with Zhishi ( Fructus Aurantii Immaturus ) and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), such as Houpo Sanwu Tang (Decoction). 3. For stagnation of phlegm and dampness in the lung with chest distress, cough with plenty of sputum, thick and greasy tongue coating, it is usually combined with Zisuzi (Fructus Perillae ), Xingren ( Semen Armeniacae Amarum), etc. to resolve phlegm, lower qi and relieve dyspnea. Usage and Dodge 3 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use.
