Benefits of Magnolia Bark

Magnolia bark has long been an important herbal remedy in oriental medicine. Magnolia bark has also been an important herb for Native Americans who have used it for a large number of illnesses.

Magnolia bark has been used for ailments that include insomnia, weight loss, stress, anxiety, cramps, bloating, intestinal problems, alzheimer’s, asthma, and coughs. In short, this natural supplement works to help improve overall mental and physical health.

Magnolia Bark and Sleep

In recent clinical studies, magnolia bark has been found to be 5 times stronger than Valium in reducing anxiety without causing the unwanted side effects. Researchers seem to believe this may be part of the reason that magnolia bark helps so much with sleep disorders. People who have high levels of stress and anxiety have difficulty relaxing at night and letting their minds rest. The use of a magnolia bark supplement before going to bed may help people relax and be able to clear their mind so that they can rest at night.

Magnolia Bark and Cortisol

Magnolia bark is rich in two biphenol compounds, magnolol and honokiol, which are thought to contribute to the primary anti-stress and cortisol-lowering effects of the plant. A humans cortisol levels are naturally highest in the morning, then reduce throughout the day, and are lowest during sleep. People that have high levels of stress and anxiety continue to have high levels of cortisol which makes it difficult for their body to relax and sleep. The lack of sleep causes more stress on the body and can cause an increase in health problems. If research for the few studies done on Magnolia bark are correct and Magnolia bark does decrease cortisol levels and stress levels it would mean this herb could help a number of people.

Magnolia bark may also be beneficial for people that are aging to better sleep at night. Studies suggest that levels of cortisol increase with age. Elevated levels of cortisol also causes negative changes in hormone activity which can cause a number of other health related problems. Magnolia bark may help naturally reduce levels of cortisol for people that may not feel like they have problems with anxiety and stress, but are still not able to sleep at night and feel like their body just doesn’t seem to be functioning right.

Side Effects of Magnolia Bark

There are no known side effects of Magnolia bark currently but as with all supplements and medication too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. Women who are nursing or pregnant should talk to a doctor before starting on Magnolia bark. It is also advisable for people on other medications to talk to their doctor before taking this supplement.