Hòu Pò (厚朴) — Magnolia Bark
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Hòu Pò (厚朴) — Magnolia officinalis bark — is one of the most frequently used herbs in Chinese practice. It belongs to the category of Aromatic herbs that transform Damp and is uniquely valued for its ability to simultaneously move Qi, dry Damp and descend rebellious Qi from the chest and middle jiao. It is the key herb for the modern presentation of bloating, chest tightness and the classical “plum-pit Qi” (sensation of a lump in the throat).
I prescribe Hòu Pò as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Online consultations are available.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Hòu Pò |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 厚朴 |
| Latin name | Magnolia officinalis |
| English name | Magnolia bark |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine |
| Category | Aromatic herbs that transform Damp |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Promotes the movement of Qi and resolves stagnation
- Dries Damp and reduces fullness
- Descends rebellious Qi and resolves Phlegm
- Calms wheezing and dyspnoea
Indications
- Damp obstructing the middle jiao — abdominal and epigastric distension and fullness, nausea
- Food stagnation with constipation or distension
- Phlegm-Damp coughing and wheezing with chest fullness
- Plum-pit Qi — sensation of a lump in the throat that cannot be swallowed or coughed up (with Ban Xia Hou Po Tang)
- Spleen Qi deficiency with secondary Damp-Cold accumulation
4. Key formulas containing Hòu Pò
- Ban Xia Hou Po Tang — plum-pit Qi, anxiety with somatic throat/chest sensations
- Ping Wei San — foundation Damp-resolving formula
- Hou Po Wen Zhong Tang — cold Damp in the middle jiao with abdominal distension
- Xiao Cheng Qi Tang — mild purgative formula
5. Modern research
The principal active constituents of Magnolia officinalis are magnolol and honokiol — biphenolic neolignans with documented anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Magnolol and honokiol bind to GABAA receptors, providing a pharmacological basis for the herb’s classical use in anxiety with somatic chest and throat symptoms. Modern research also demonstrates prokinetic effects on the gastrointestinal tract.
6. Cautions
Avoid in pregnancy. Use cautiously in Qi or Yin deficiency without stagnation — the herb is drying and dispersing. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Hòu Pò as part of tailored formulas for conditions including anxiety with throat tightness, functional bloating, IBS, and Damp-related digestive disorders. I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available.
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