For centuries, magnolia has been used as a calming natural remedyand with good reason.
What is magnolia?
Magnolia bark for sleep.
There are several mechanisms behind its sedative effects.
Notably, magnolia bark boosts the neurotransmitterGABA1, or gamma-Aminobutyric acid.
“GABA is like the brakes of the brain,” says Breus.
This is the same way that powerful prescription sleep aids like Ambien, Lunesta, and Sonata work.
Magnolia bark actuallyactivates these cannabinoid receptors2, says Breus.
By reducing adrenaline and other stress hormones like cortisol, magnolia bark can help you doze off peacefully.
Other benefits of magnolia bark.
Magnolia bark’s sleep-improving benefits go beyond the time you actually spend sleeping itself.
Here are some of the main benefits of magnolia bark:
1.
Magnolia bark for anxiety.
Magnolia bark for managing depression.
Magnolia bark to protect brain health.
Magnolia bark to help manage and prevent diabetes.
The compounds in magnolia bark (especially honokiol) mayhelp control blood glucose levels9.
It also may helpprotect against oxidative liver damage10, a possible complication of diabetes.
Magnolia bark to lower blood pressure.
Magnolia bark for reducing inflammation and pain.
In onestudy12, magnolia bark extract helped reduce the secretion of inflammatory markers in cells.
The compounds honokiol and magnolol have also been found toalleviate pain13resulting from inflammation.
Magnolia bark for treating the symptoms of menopause.
Magnolia bark for dental health.
Safety of magnolia bark.
Like any herbal supplement, magnolia bark isn’t safe for everyone to take.
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, in particular, should avoid it.
Magnolia bark may also slowblood clotting16, which isn’t good news in surgery.
Magnolia bark side effects and interactions.
Magnolia bark also has someinteractionswith certain medications.
According to Breus, it may interact with anticoagulant medications (or blood thinners).
Finally, large doses of magnolia bark taken with alcohol may also magnify the drowsy effects of both.
How to use magnolia bark.
Magnolia bark extract is often found in capsule form or in tinctures.
