Biod Magnolia Bud

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Henan, Hubei.

Magnolia biondii Pamp.: Long oval shape similar to a calligraphy brush head, 1.2~2.5cm long, 0.8~1.5cm diameter. Base often has short stem, about 5mm long, with off-white spotted lenticels. 2~3 layers of bracts, 2 pieces each layer, small scale bud between ever two layers, outer surface of bract densely covered grayish-white or grayish-green hairs, inner surface is brownish, without hairs. 9 perianth, brownish, outer whorl has 3 perianths, strip-like, about 1/4 length of 2 inner whorls, calyx-like, 2 inner whorls have 6 perianths, 3 for each, wheel-like arranged. Stamen and pistil are numerous and arranged in a spiral. Light in weight, brittle texture. aromatic odor, acrid, cooling and slightly bitter taste. Magnolia denudate Desr.: 1.5~3cm long, 1~1.5cm diameter. Base has relatively thick and strong stem, pale brown lenticels. Outer surface of bracts is densely covered with grayish-white or grayish-green hairs. 9 perianths, same shape of inner and outer perianths. Magnolia sprengeri Pamp.: 2~4cm long, 1~2cm diameter. Thick and strong stem, reddish-brown lenticels. Outer surface of bract densely covered pale yellow or pale yellowish-green hairs, some outermost bract hairs have fallen off and have a black-brown color. 10~12~15 perianths, no obvious difference between inner and outer whorls.

Superior medicinal material has unopened flower bud, tight, intact, without stem, with potent aromatic odor.

Acrid, warm.

Dispels wind, opens nose. Apply to headache, persistent turbid nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, toothache.

‘Brush head’: This refers to the elongated oval shape of xin yi and the fact that its surface is covered in long downy hairs, giving an appearance similar to the head of a calligraphy brush.