Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Name: Hou Po
English Name: Magnolia Bark

Clinical Usage and Indications

  • 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.

Functional Groups (Click for Summary/Study Notes)

Dosage and Preparation Notes

  • Dosage: 3-9g

Channels/Meridians Influenced

Associated Temperature and Taste

Cautions and Contraindications

  • Avoid During Pregnancy

Staff Clinician Notes

There are no additional notes for this herb.

Herbal Formulas Which Include This Herb

Below you will find Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas which contain this particular herb (in alphabetical order). You may click on the name of the formula for more details or click on any of the products from our store to read usage information or purchase a particular formula.

  • Ban Xia Hou Po Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Bao Ji Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Empirical formula for food poisioning.  Also useful for overeating, excessive drinking - over indulgence in general.  Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, belching, reflux, nausea, vomiting, aversion to food, possibly diarrhea.


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  • Chu Kou Wei Wan

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  • Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Fever w/chills, chest oppression, abdominal pain, nausea, possibly vomiting and/or diarrhea, loss of taste, headache.

    The Pulse will be soggy and moderate and the Tongue will have a white greasy coating.


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  • Ma Zi Ren Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    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.


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  • Shu Gan Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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    • Shu Gan Pian - Acid Reflux, Distention, Liver Stagnation Herbal Formula

  • Su Zi Jiang Qi Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    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 such as edema, weak low back and/or legs, fatigue.

    The Tongue will have a white coating that can be either greasy or slippery.


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  • Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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