Type of plant: Tree growing to over 50 feet high with large glossy leaves and delicate, highly fragrant white flowers with 12 long, slim petals

Part used: Flowers

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Data: The tree is a hybrid and is not found in the wild. In Asia it’s often cultivated as a decorative tree. In China magnolia flowers are used in traditional Chinese medicine and to fragrance tea. Throughout Asia magnolia flowers are offered in temples to mark births and other celebrations. Magnolias in general are some of the oldest plants known, developing before winged insects and so pollinated by the more ancient beetles. Fossils of magnolia date to over 100 million years ago and show it was once growing in Europe, as well as in America and Asia, now its native habitat.

Principal place of production: China

When buying look for: A greenish-yellow to brown liquid with a fresh, sweet, floral aroma. Not to be confused with magnolia leaf essential oil.

Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, antidepressive, antiseptic, antispasmodic, calmative, cytophylactic, nervine, restorative, sedative

Therapeutic uses: Scars, wounds, muscular aches, abdominal cramp, intestinal spasm, fear-induced anxiety, insomnia, inability to communicate, stress-related tension, depression

Blends well with: Amyris, benzoin, bergamot, cananga, cedarwood, chamomile maroc, cistus, frankincense, geranium, immortelle, jasmine, lavender, mandarin, marjoram (sweet), neroli, orange (sweet), petitgrain, rose, rosewood, ylang ylang

Precautionary advice: No contraindications known