Post Series: Medicinal Flowers
When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are beautiful.
· Magnolia champaca is a large, evergreen tree admired for its highly fragrant, yellow-orange flowers and glossy, dark green leaves, with blossoms famed for their rich scent and ornamental appeal. The tree can reach heights of 10–40 meters and displays a pyramidal crown, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. Native to Southeast Asia and the eastern Himalayan region, Magnolia champaca is found from India across southern China to Indonesia and the Philippines.
· Traditional use: In traditional medicine, the flowers, bark, and leaves have been used as remedies for fever, colds, headaches, and inflammation, with flower extracts added to healing oils and baths for their soothing effects. Flower infusions are also traditionally used for digestive disorders, while bark and root preparations address rheumatism, skin conditions, and as a mild sedative. The essential oil is often included in Ayurvedic and Unani therapies for various systemic complaints.
· Scientific evidence: Magnolia champaca has exhibited multiple pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and antiseptic effects.
· Sample reference: Neuroprotective effects of Magnoliae Flos extract in mouse hippocampal neuronal cells. Jung YS et al. Sci Rep. 2018 Jun 26;8(1):9693.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Champaca Flower (Magnolia champaca)-
