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Hou Po (厚朴), the bark of Magnolia officinalis, promotes the movement of qi, dries dampness, resolves distension and fullness, and descends rebellious qi to relieve wheezing.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Magnolia officinalis (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis)
Common English Name
Magnolia bark
Taste
Bitter, acrid
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine
Actions & Functions
- Promotes the movement of qi and resolves distension and fullness
- Dries dampness and transforms phlegm
- Descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing
Indications
Damp or food stagnation with abdominal distension and fullness; constipation with fullness; and cough and wheezing with chest fullness.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Cang Zhu and Chen Pi (Ping Wei San); with Zhi Shi and Da Huang for constipation with fullness.
Cautions & Contraindications
Drying and descending; avoid or use with care in pregnancy and in qi or yin deficiency.