or… You expect me to drink a tea made with what…?
Xin Yi Hua Magnolia Flower (Magnoliae Liliflorae Flos)
Properties: acrid, warm
Channels entered: Lung, Stomach
Indications1: Nasal congestion, nasal discharge, loss of sense of smell, sinus problems, sinus headache.
It is spring! Time for seasonal allergies to emerge with the new plant growth. Xin Yi Hua is commonly used in formulas to help relieve sinus symptoms. The herb is the flower bud, which is incredibly aromatic. If you have the opportunity, smell the bud. You can feel the aroma penetrate through the sinuses.
NOTE: Chinese herbs are typically used in combination (typically 8-16 herbs together) as a prescribed formula. A common method of preparation is to cook the herbs in water to make a tea.
1 Disclaimer – These indications are based on translations of the traditional Chinese material medica that have been researched and developed for over 15 centuries. Needless to say, they have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.