Magnolia essential oil is a pale orangish-yellow oil that comes from the Magnolia flower.
It’s one of the most well-traveled flowers in the world with more than 200 different species. [1]
The Magnolia flower is native to East and Southeast Asia, especially China. The plant has broad green leaves with a big spear-shaped petal. The tree is also known as white Champa, white sandalwood, and white jade orchid tree.
For hundreds of years, magnolia flowers have been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Its essential oil is also quite beneficial to human beings. It can be a beneficial herbal remedy around the world.
Continue reading to get a closer look at the health benefits of magnolia essential oil.
Benefits of Magnolia Essential Oil
1. Magnolia Essential Oil May Help Prevent Cancer.
Magnolia oil is claimed to prevent certain cancers, such as colon cancer and liver cancer. It’s because the oil contains magnolol that can prevent the spread of certain cancer cells. [2]
In a study published in 2002, magnolol successfully prevented DNA synthesis and reduced cell number in the cultured human cancer cell. [2]
Researchers injected magnolol-induced cell cycle in rats that had tumors. The result showed a successful regression of those tumors cells. [2]
Some researchers also suggest that the bark extract can prevent colon cancer and leukemia. [2]
READ ALSO: 12 Essential Oils or Cancer That You Should Know (Backed by Evidence)
2. It Treats Menstrual Cramps.
Magnolia essential oil contains a calming agent. These components can help reduce inflammation and tension in the muscle.
This oil can help you get rid of the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps.
During menstrual, you may experience frequent mood swings. Magnolia oil can prevent the emotional peaks and mood swings associated with the pre-menstrual period. [3]
READ ALSO: 21 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Period Cramps (& How to Use Them)
3. Magnolia Essential Oil Treats Alzheimer’s Disease.
Magnolia oil can help treat Alzheimer’s disease. The magnolol component helps with cognitive ability by stimulating the acetylcholine level in the brain. [4]
Besides, the oil contains another component named Honokiol. It helps in improving brain activity, especially memory.
Using this oil can help those who are suffering from any cognitive disorder. It can also prevent any oxidative stress.
4. It Helps in Respiratory Issues.
Essential oils are a popular choice when it comes to treating any respiratory illness. Some of the respiratory disorders include cough, cold, bronchitis, excessive phlegm, and asthma.
Magnolia essential oil contains the naturally occurring corticosteroids in it. Thus, it can treat respiratory conditions like asthma. [5]
Besides, the oil can reduce inflammation and prevent asthmatic attacks.
5. Magnolia Essential Oil Treats Diabetes.
Cortisol plays a big role in regulating the amount of blood sugar released by the body. Magnolia essential oil has compounds that are similar to cortisol.
These components help magnolia oil to control the release and management of blood sugar. This oil can help prevent the development of diabetes. [6,7]
If you already have diabetes, you can use magnolia oil to control your blood sugar level.
READ ALSO: 9 Superfoods That May Help You to Manage Diabetes
6. It Helps Treat Anxiety.
Honokiol is one of the active components in magnolia oil. This compound has certain anxiolytic qualities to keep the hormonal balance in your body. [8]
Magnolia oil can control the endocrine system. So, it can reduce anxiety and stress by reducing the hormone release in the body.
Magnolia oil can also stimulate the release of dopamine and pleasure hormone. So, using this oil may reduce depression.
READ ALSO: 12+ Essential Oils for Anxiety that Work (with How to Use Them)
7. Magnolia Oil Helps in Weight Management.
Magnolia oil has a corticosteroid that helps in increasing the appetite.
If you’re underweight, this oil can help in gain weight. [5]
READ ALSO: Best Essential Oils for Weight Loss: Efficacy and Uses
8. It Improves Liver Health
Magnolia oil can stimulate the lymphatic system and help the toxin being flushed out from the body.
This oil can decrease the build-up of fat around the liver. So, it can prevent liver failure due to excessive alcohol consumption. [6]
If you have quit alcohol and want to live a healthy life, magnolia oil can help you with that.
9. Magnolia Essential Oil is Anti-allergenic.
The steroid-mimicking properties of magnolia can help prevent allergies. [5]
The essential oil can treat hay fever, seasonal allergies, and certain allergen sensitivity. It can help strengthen your resistance.
READ ALSO: 22+ Natural Antihistamines to Prevent Allergy
How to Use Magnolia Essential Oil
You can use magnolia essential oils in various ways, including:
Diffuse:
Add a few drops of magnolia oil to a diffuser and enjoy its incredible aroma. You can also make a room/body spray by including 3-5 drops into 1 oz of water.
Bath:
Mix 1 drop of magnolia oil, a few drops of sweet orange or yuzu essential oil, and 1/2 cup of Epsom salts. Pour the mix into your bathwater. Soak yourself in and enjoy the relaxing bath.
Massage:
Mix 1-2 drops of magnolia oil, one drop of helichrysum essential oil, and three drops of sweet marjoram oil. Add the mix with one tablespoon of sweet almond oil. Gently massage the oil over your tense muscle and achy joints.
Moisturizing Body Lotion/Oil:
Mix 3-5 drops of magnolia oil, three drops of each of cistus and rosewood, and one drop of neroli to 4 oz of any unscented lotion. You can also use any carrier oil instead of lotion.
Precautions for Using Magnolia Essential Oil
- Pregnant women must not use this oil as it’s quite strong.
- Do not use magnolia oil on the skin without diluting it first.
- The oil is meant for topical application only. Do not internally ingest this oil.
Best Blending Combination
You can mix magnolia oil with some other essential and carrier oil. It will help create your preferred blend. Below are some of the oils that the magnolia oil blends well with:
- Bergamot Oil
- Cedarwood Oil.
- Copaiba Oil.
- Geranium Oil.
- Helichrysum Oil.
- Jasmine Absolute Oil.
- Neroli Oil.
- Patchouli Oil.
- Roman Chamomile Oil.
- Sweet Orange Oil.
- Rose Absolute Oil.
- Sandalwood Oil.
- Ylang Ylang Oil.
- Yuzu Oil.
Bottom Line
Magnolia oil is popular for its sweet, bubbly, champagne-like aroma. This oil is also rich in numerous medicinal values. It can treat a wide array of ailments.
Magnolia essential oil may relieve menstrual cramps, Alzheimer’s disease, Anxiety, etc.
The oil is also great for preventing certain cancers such as leukemia, colon cancer, and prostate cancer.
But, you must buy this oil from a reputed seller. Some unethical sellers may provide you with an adulterated version of this oil. Make sure you buy pure essential oil to avoid any adverse effects.
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