Magnolia bark tea and health benefits

This tree belongs to the Magnoliaceae family and can grow to a mature height from 16 ft up to 80 ft. During the 7th century, monks in the Chinese Buddhist temples grew these trees in their gardens for use in treating conditions like depression, asthma, muscle pain, and headache.

Benefits can be found with drinking Magnolia teas, known as Saiboku-to, although the tea should be consumed with meals due to the fat-solubility of the active ingredients.

Magnolia bark extract is a major constituent of currently marketed dietary supplements and cosmetic products. Much pharmacological activity has been reported for this herb and its major compounds, notably antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antispasmodic effects.

The bark is particularly rich in two neolignans that are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties — magnolol and honokiol. These compounds have been studied extensively in recent years for their anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant benefits.

Neolignans are a type of polyphenol micronutrient in plants. Polyphenols are highly valued for their antioxidant levels and believed to offer many health benefits.

Research has shown that magnolia bark may be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety, both of which can interfere with sleep. A study that measured cortisol, considered a stress hormone, showed that magnolia bark extract combined with phellodendron reduced cortisol levels in the body.
Magnolia bark tea and health benefits