How To Distill Magnolia

Magnolias are flowering plants that include approximately 210 separate species covering a wide range, including the northeastern United States.  The Chinese have long understood the medicinal properties of magnolia and the oil is commonly used in aromatherapy and other natural remedies.  Herbal remedies have long since been considered the foundation of all modern medications, with many herbal remedies currently being prescribed today to treat a host of illnesses and afflictions.

The two most active components in magnolia oil are magnolol and honokiol.   Honokiol has been shown to have a positive effect upon certain chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies.  Both are most commonly known for their antioxidant properties, being up to 1,000 times more effective than vitamin E.  The active ingredients in magnolia distillate are very potent and care should be taken to prepare the bark properly.

Here's how to distill magnolia:

1. Acquire dried bark from either the official magnolia tree or the sergeant magnolia tree.  Since both of these magnolia species are indigenous to China, it will be necessary to either import a tree or purchase the bark on the Internet.
2. If you are dealing with a live tree, the bark should be harvested between April and June.  The bark should be dried in the open air. Bark can be harvested from both the trunk and the roots.
3. Place the dried bark into a pot of boiling water and let simmer for ten to fifteen minutes.  Then remove the bark and allow it to dry in a cool, moisture rich environment.  This process will take several hours.  You will notice the bark exuding oils as it dries.  This is normal.
4. After the bark has dried, hold the chips over a boiling part of water and allow the vapor to penetrate the bark, making it pliable. When the bark has become flexible enough, roll the bark sections into cones and allow to dry once more.
5. Once the bark has dried for the third time, it is ready to use.

Use the above prepared magnolia bark to treat various stomach upsets by placing a magnolia cone into a cup of ginger juice and then drinking the contents.

Herbal remedies, such as distillates of magnolia have been used in medicine for many years, by all cultures and form the basis for all modern medicine.  Be very careful when preparing herbal remedies as many are very powerful and can cause adverse and unwanted side effects.  As with any medicine, be sure to consult with a licensed physician before using as underlying medical conditions may increase your likelihood of experiencing adverse reactions.