ENGLISH NAME: Southern
Magnolia
LATIN NAME: Magnolia grandiflora
LOCAL NAMES:
Georgia: მაგნოლია (Magnolia)
Turkey: Büyük çiçekli manolya
Bulgaria: Магнолия
COUNTRY: Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria (cultivated and ornamental)
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Black Sea region
Elevation: No strict range; grown in lowlands
and coastal regions
Terrain: Gardens, parks, urban landscapes, and
slopes
DESCRIPTION:
Magnolia grandiflora is a large evergreen tree reaching 20–30 meters tall, with
thick, glossy dark green leaves and an intense lemon-like fragrance. The tree
is famous for its large, showy white flowers (20–25 cm in diameter), which have
a delicate, sweet scent. The smooth gray bark matures into a darker, furrowed
texture as the tree ages.
USABLE PARTS:
Bark, Flower
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Bark: Contains honokiol and magnolol, compounds studied for anti-anxiety,
anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Used traditionally to calm
nerves, relieve anxiety, and for mild pain relief.
Flowers: Used for
their calming, mildly sedative, and aromatherapeutic effects. Magnolia flower
essential oil is sometimes used to support relaxation.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Possible allergic reactions. Due to sedative effects, avoid combining with
other sedatives or operating machinery after use.
PREPARATION:
Magnolia Bark: Dry and crush the bark for tea (1–2 tsp per cup, steep
10–15 min), or create a tincture with high-proof alcohol (let infuse several
weeks).
Magnolia Flowers: Fresh or dried petals can be steeped as tea (2–3
flowers per cup, steep 5–7 min), made into infused oil, or used in fragrant
blends.
Combinations: Magnolia bark
can be blended with chamomile or lavender for calming teas. Magnolia flowers
can be mixed with jasmine or green tea for a floral infusion.
HARVEST TIME:
Spring or fall for bark and flowers. Harvest flowers in the morning for peak
fragrance.
HARVEST METHOD:
Bark: Remove only small sections using a sharp knife, leaving the majority of
bark intact.
Flowers: Gently snip or prune flowers with clean scissors.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Air-dry bark in a dark, ventilated area, then store in airtight containers. Dry
flowers upside down in small bundles, then store in airtight jars. For oils or
tinctures, use dark glass bottles and store in a cool, dark place. Discard any
parts showing signs of mold or spoilage.