Hou Po - Magnolia Bark
TCM Materia Medica
Hou Po TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "hou po" which in english is "magnolia bark", is categorized within the "aromatic herbs that transform dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the large intestine, lung, spleen and stomach channels and exhibits acrid, aromatic, bitter (ku) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Promotes movement of Qi, transforms dampness, resolves stagnation - dampness in spleen/stomach, food stagnation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distention (*important herb for this).
- Warms and transforms phlegm and directs rebellious lung Qi downward - wheezing, phlegm with coughing, stifling sensation in the chest.
Hou Po has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid During Pregnancy
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, hou po is generally included in the following 10 formulas:
ViewBan Xia Hou Po Wan (Pinellia & Magnolia Pills)
Plum pit qi (globus hystericus) and/or difficulty with swallowing from liver qi stagnation. Coughing, hiccups, nausea and possible vomitting from rebellious qi and phlegm.
ViewBao Ji Wan (Protect and Relieve Pills)
Cramping and/or painful distension of the abdomen. Foul smelling belching or gas with diarrhea due to heat in the intestine. May alleviate some hangover symptoms. Also useful to treat food poisoni…
ViewChu Kou Wei Wan (Chu Kou Wei Wan)
Acid reflux and/or burning sensation in the epigastrium, throat, or mouth from stomach fire. Ulcers, sores, or other types of abcess in the mouth due to persistent stomach heat. Constant sense of h…
ViewHuo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan (Agastache Powder to Correct the Qi)
Acute flu or cold symptoms including fever, aversion to cold, headaches, sinus pressure, runny nose. Vomitting and diarrhea from interior damp with possible abdominal cramps or pains.
ViewMa Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Formula)
Constipation with dry/difficult to expel stools along with frequent urination. Pulse will be submerged and rapid or floating and choppy and the Tongue will have a dry, yellow coating.
ViewPing Gan Liu Qi Yin Wan (Dang Gui And Pinellia Combination)
Liver qi stagnation with blood deficiency heat - signs of heat, red eyes, possibly anxiety and/or irritability, etc. along with digestive issues such as gastritis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, hernia.…
ViewPing Wei Wan (Calm the Stomach Powder)
Damp cold stagnation in the middle jiao - poor appetite, indigestion, gastritis, loose stools, heavy sensation of the limbs, fatigue. Can be used to induce labor with appropriate underlying diagnose…
ViewShu Gan Wan (Liver Comfort Pills)
Abdominal and/or Hypochondriac pain, cramps or spasms resulting from liver qi stagnation. Alternating chills and fever. Nausea, bloating, acid reflux, alternating stools, or IBS like symptoms cause…
ViewSu Zi Jiang Qi Wan (Perilla Fruit Pill to Direct Qi Downward)
Cough with watery, copious sputum, breathing issues such as wheezing, asthma, shortness of breath (particularly difficulty inhaling), chest oppression. Possibly signs of kidney qi/yang deficiency …
ViewXiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (Aucklandia Amomi Nurture Stomach Pills)
Low appetite, apathy towards eating due to spleen qi deficiency. Acid reflux, indigestion, epigastric pain, tendency to feel full even with small quantities of food. Food stagnation due to overeati…
As noted above, hou po is within the aromatic herbs that transform dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... the concept of dampness indicates a damp pathogenic influence which causes stagnation in the middle warmer (i.e. the stomach and spleen channels). general symptoms are - distension and fullness in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting or spitting…)".
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