Magnolia bark and flowers have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. The bark, known as ‘hou po’ in Chinese, is used to treat abdominal pain, menstrual cramps, nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, and abdominal bloating, while injections of magnolia bark extract are used as a muscle relaxant. The flower, known as ‘xin yi hua’, is used to treat chronic respiratory infections, lung congestion, and sinus infections.
Leaves of magnolia are used for wrapping of food in Asia. Wood of magnolia is used for the production of pallets and furniture.