Magnolias are gorgeous plants. They have a delicious and light smell and are pretty with their big, waxy leaves and open flowers. However, you may wonder if Magnolias are good for more than just a view.
Magnolia petals and leaves are edible for humans and can be used to make teas, though the seeds aren’t often used in cooking but instead for health purposes.
Magnolias can be used to make teas, smoothies, salads, and more. The bark and the seeds can help with sleep, depression, blood pressure, pain, acne, and more. While the seed pods are technically edible, they are tough and fibrous, making much better decorations than meals.
No matter how you look at it, Magnolias are great plants to have in your yard. They can provide a beautiful view, gorgeous flowers to press, and that provide a wonderful smell throughout the day. They can be eaten, and the bark and seeds can provide many health benefits for almost any ailment.
What Type of Magnolia Is Edible?
Pretty much all varieties of Magnolia are edible. All Magnolias are considered edible, and it is just that some of them haven’t been thoroughly tested, so some people are wary of trying them all.
However, the common varieties, including Southern, Star, Saucer, and Lily Magnolias, are all edible. The fun part is that every flower tastes different and has a different texture. That means that you get something different with every Magnolia variety you try.
However, suppose you have never eaten Magnolias before. In that case, we recommend starting with just a bite or two, as allergies are possible, as well as some side effects, like thyroid issues and drowsiness.
If you want to stick with varieties of Magnolias that are commonly eaten, here is a good list:
- Magnolia coco
- Magnolia grandiflora
- Magnolia denudata
- Magnolia hypoleuca
- Magnolia kobus
- Magnolia liliflora
- Magnolia mexicana
- Magnolia pterocarpa
- Magnolia soulangeana
Is Magnolia Poisonous to Humans?
Magnolias are not poisonous to humans. There are around 210 different species of Magnolias, and they are all considered edible.
The only exception is the berries. While there is no proof that berries are toxic, there isn’t much research on whether they are edible and if the berries are much different between species. For that reason, a lot of people recommend not eating Magnolia berries at all.
What Can I Do With Magnolia Pods?
There are a lot of things you can do with Magnolia seed pods. For example, they make excellent Christmas ornaments for the holidays. You can use them to make a little of everything, from wreaths to angels.
We recommend you harvest the seeds before using them, as they also have their benefits.
Are Magnolia Seeds Medicinal?
Magnolia seeds have a lot of benefits. They can be considered medicinal as they have a lot of health benefits. There are many ways that Magnolia seeds have been said to help. In the last decade, research has been done on these seeds to understand the benefits, if they work, and why. So far, there have been a lot of positive findings.
Magnolia Seeds Benefits
Let’s look at some of the benefits of eating Magnolia seeds. By eating Magnolia seeds, you may see positive effects on:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disturbances
- Abdominal discomfort
- Dyspnea
- Muscle spasm
- Epilepsy
- Infertility
- Inflammation
- Bacterial infections
- Sleep
- Body temperature
While research is still being done about some of these benefits, there is no denying that Magnolia seeds can be incredibly beneficial if used correctly.
Are Magnolia Seeds Poisonous to Dogs?
No part of a Magnolia plant, including the seeds, are poisonous to dogs or cats. Even animals like horses experience no problems with these flowers and plants. However, if you see your pet eating a large amount of them, it is best to stop them, as the intestinal blockage is a problem that can occur.
However, Magnolias are not a natural part of your dog’s diet. While they may not be toxic, they aren’t necessarily good for your dog to eat. If they accidentally eat a few, there is no need for concern, but don’t go and add it to their meal daily.
If you have a pet that eats a lot of Magnolia, no matter what part, they may experience a lack of appetite and vomiting.
Are Magnolia Trees Poisonous to Humans?
No part of a Magnolia tree is considered poisonous to humans. The leaves, flowers, fruits, and bark are all considered edible. Some people prefer to avoid berries, as much research hasn’t been done on whether they are edible or toxic.
In Asian countries, where Magnolias are abundant, they are often eaten in various ways. Not only are they edible and can be used in multiple ways, but there are also a lot of benefits associated with Magnolias.
Does Magnolia Bark Lower Blood Pressure?
One benefit of Magnolias is that the bark and the seeds can reduce blood pressure. This has been tested in rats. A compound in the bark and seeds called honokiol reduces hypertension and systolic blood pressure. This was especially true when used long-term.
However, Magnolia bark is primarily used as a sleep aid, and it has many other benefits besides that. Like the seeds, Magnolia bark has positive benefits on:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Brain Health
- Diabetes
- Inflammation and pain
- Menopause
- Dental Health
For the most part, there aren’t many side effects besides drowsiness. Occasionally, people experience heartburn, shaky hands, thyroid issues, and dizziness. It can also interact with some medications, so always check to ensure that your medication won’t be affected by taking Magnolia bark.
Can You Make Tea Out of Magnolia Leaves?
Magnolia petals and leaves can be used to make tea, smoothies, and more. Most of the time, petals are used to make teas and smoothies, but the leaves pack a milder flavor. Magnolia tea bark is also a thing, though it tends to be bitter and astringent.
The best part is that these teas would be herbal teas, which means that they contain no caffeine, so that you can drink them at any time of the day.
The leaves can also be used in meals, as they work similarly to cabbage when cooked, with a more peppery taste.
Is Magnolia Good for Skin?
While it can be hard to find, Magnolia essential oil can be very good for your skin. Not only does it act as a moisturizer, but it can help to tighten the skin and reduce lines and wrinkles. Magnolia additionally helps to inhibit the constant production of free radicals in the skin, which helps to keep evenness and improve hydration, and the elastic properties of the skin.
Magnolia extracts can also reduce skin irritations, pigments, and age spots, providing your skin with a fresh and more even tone.
Since Magnolia has been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits, this plant can also help reduce acne and atopic dermatitis.
Are Magnolia Flowers Edible?
Magnolia flowers are edible and often frequently eaten. They can be eaten raw, on top of salads, or pickled, which is the most common. They taste gingery when pickled, making them an excellent addition to Asian flavors. You can also braise the leaves or make syrup from the petals.
Summary
Magnolias are edible for humans and can be used to make teas, pickles, or eat in meals, though the seeds aren’t often used in cooking but for health purposes.
Magnolias aren’t just pretty. They also have many medicinal benefits. They can help with anything from lowering blood pressure and increasing sleep to reducing acne. Every part of a Magnolia can be eaten as well, with leaves, flowers, and bark is the most eaten.
Magnolia flowers and leaves are often used in Asian cuisine, and Magnolias were traditionally native to parts of Asia and North America. Flowers can be pickled or eaten fresh, and the leaves make a delicious and healthy tea or can be used in dishes in place of cabbage to add a peppery note.