Magnolia Flower Bud
신이 (辛夷) · Magnolia biondii Pamp.
Orifice-opening herb
Warm
Pungent
Lung, Stomach
NatureWarm
TastePungent
MeridiansLung, Stomach
Part usedUnopened flower bud
FamilyMagnoliaceae
CategoryOrifice-opening herb
Overview
Magnolia flower bud is gathered just before it opens, when the furry bud still resembles a small peach. The Donguibogam records it as the classic remedy for a blocked, runny nose and wind-type headache in the head — still the herb's primary role in nasal congestion formulas today.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性溫, 味辛, 無毒. 主風頭腦痛, 面䵟. 通鼻塞涕出. 治面腫引齒痛, 明目, 生鬚髮. 作面脂, 生光澤.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste pungent, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats wind-type head and brain pain, and facial pigmentation. It opens nasal blockage with runny discharge. It treats facial swelling that pulls into tooth pain, brightens the eyes, and promotes growth of beard and hair. Made into a facial ointment, it gives the skin a healthy sheen.
Traditional functions
- Dispels wind, opens the nasal passages
- Relieves head and sinus pain
- Rises to the head to clear the orifices
Traditional applications
- Nasal congestion with discharge
- Sinus-type or wind headache
- Facial swelling with tooth pain
Traditional preparation
Decoction 4–8g, wrapped in cloth when boiled per traditional preparation; the fuzzy coating is removed before use.
Cautions
Caution: Warm and dispersing; the classics note the fuzzy outer coating should be removed before use, and it is not suited to heat signs from yin deficiency. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
What part of the magnolia is used as sini?
Only the unopened flower bud, gathered before it blooms. The Donguibogam notes its furry outer coating should be removed before the herb is used.
Is magnolia flower bud still used for sinus problems today?
Yes — it remains one of the most common herbs in modern formulas for nasal congestion and sinus-type headache, matching its classical use in the Donguibogam almost exactly.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.