Library

(Recorded as a Superior Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica])

【Names】Dulan (from *Bielu* [Supplementary Records]), Linlan (from *Benjing* [Classic of Materia Medica])
Li Shizhen stated: Its fragrance resembles that of an orchid, and its flowers resemble those of a lotus, hence the name. The heartwood is yellow, thus it is called "Huangxin" (Yellow Heart).

【Collection and Explanation】The *Bielu* states: Magnolia officinalis grows in the valleys of Lingling and Mount Tai. Its bark resembles that of Cinnamon Twig but has a more fragrant aroma. Tao Hongjing said: It grows everywhere in Lingling. Its shape resembles that of a Nanmu tree; the bark is very thin with a pungent and fragrant taste. Those from Yizhou have thicker bark, resembling that of Phellodendron Bark, but possess superior aroma and taste. People in the East often use Shan Guipi (Mountain Cinnamon Bark) as a substitute, which is also similar. It is also good for Daoists to use in preparing compound incense.
Su Baosheng said: It is found everywhere. The trees are several ren high. The leaves resemble those of Jun Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex), having three longitudinal veins, but their pungent fragrance is inferior to that of cinnamon. The bark resembles Ban Gui (Plate Cinnamon), with crisscrossing textures. The bark is harvested in March and April and dried in the shade.
Su Song said: It is now found in various prefectures in Hu, Ling, and Shuchuan. This plant is completely different from cinnamon, yet the tribute from Shaozhou claims to be the same species. The outer bark is called Magnolia Bark, while the inner fleshy part is called Guixin (Cinnamon Heart). It is likely a variety within the cinnamon genus. Harvested in November and December and dried in the shade. Ren Fang's *Shuyi Ji* [Records of Strange Tales] states: Mulan River is located in the Xunyang River, abundant with magnolias. Also, in Qili Islet, there is a Mulan Boat carved by Lu Ban, which remains there to this day. Poets refer to the "Mulan Boat" originating from here. Li Shizhen said: The branches and leaves of Magnolia are sparse. Its flowers are white inside and purple outside, and some bloom throughout the four seasons. Those growing in deep mountains are particularly large and can be used to make boats. According to the *Ji of Bai Juyi*: Molian grows in the valleys of Ba and Xia, and people call it Huangxin Shu (Yellow Heart Tree). Large ones are five or six zhang high, remaining evergreen through winter. The trunk resembles Qingyang (Green Poplar) with white streaks. The leaves are like cinnamon but thicker and larger, without a midrib. The flowers resemble lotuses, with identical fragrant and colorful elegance, differing only in the stamen cluster. They begin to bloom in early April and wither after twenty days, bearing no fruit. This description refers to the true Magnolia. Its flowers come in red, yellow, and white varieties. Its wood has fine texture and yellow heartwood, valued by carpenters. What Su Song described from Shaozhou is Musgui (Male Cinnamon), not Magnolia. Some say that even if stripped of its bark, the Magnolia tree does not die. Luo Yuan claimed it blooms in winter and bears fruits sweet like small persimmons, which is likely incorrect.

【Bark】
【Flavor and Nature】Bitter, Cold, Non-toxic.
【Indications】High fever located in the skin, removal of facial heat/redness and Rosacea, treatment of Fengdian (Wind-induced Epilepsy), itching and dampness in the genital area, brightening the eyes and improving hearing (*Benjing*).
Treatment of Zhongfeng Shanghan (Wind-strike and Cold Damage), as well as carbuncles, sores, and edema, removing foul odors.

【Attached Formulas】Two old formulas, two new formulas.
Pediatric Chongshe (Double Tongue): Take one chi long and four cun wide Magnolia Bark, scrape off the rough outer layer, soak in one sheng of vinegar to extract the juice, and hold in the mouth to swallow slowly (*Zimu Milu*).
Facial Rosacea: Use one jin of finely chopped Magnolia Bark, soak in three-year-old sour sorrel juice for one hundred days, dry, and grind into powder. Take one fangcun bi (square-inch spoonful) with Jiangshui (grain water) each time, three times a day. *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* uses wine soaking with one jin of Gardenia Seed (*Gujin Luyan* formula).
[Text missing] one liang, Huang [Text missing] two liang, ground into powder. Take one fangcun bi with wine, three times a day (*Zhouhou Fang*).

【Flower】
【Indications】Fish bone or bone impaction in the throat; used in Huatie Dan (Iron-Dissolving Pill) (Li Shizhen).