State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Magnoliae officinalis Cortex

Common Name

Magnolia Bark

Category

Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness

Ingredients

Taste

Acrid, Bitter

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Warm

Action / Indication

1. Promotes the movement of qi in the middle burner and resolves stagnation: for qi stagnation affecting the Spleen and Stomach, and in cases of food stagnation, with such symptoms as chest and/or abdominal distention and full- ness. This is an important herb for reducing and eliminating distention and fullness and can be used whenever these symptoms occur due to qi stagnation. 
2. Promotes the movement of qi downward, dries dampness, and transforms phlegm: for dampness or phlegm obstructing the middle burner affecting the qi dynamic. Symptoms include distention, fullness, nausea, and diarrhea. The tongue coating is usually turbid and greasy. 
3. Directs qi downward, reduces phlegm, and calms wheezing: for cough and wheezing from phlegm clogging the Lungs. 

Treatment Principles

Circulates Qi
Unblocks Stagnation
Dries Dampness
Dissolves Phlegm

Contraindication

Use caution during pregnancy. Use caution with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications.

Dosages

3-9g, preferably fried in ginger.

Meridians

SP, ST, LU, LI

Tom's Comment

1. Hou Po is commonly used in depressive disorders in China. It is often combined with Ban Xia to address Qi and Phlegm Stagnation patterns.
2. Hou Po can dry dampness and can be zao (induces drying). Must be careful in yin deficiency condition.

Source

Formula Type