Title: Is Magnolia Bark the Missing Link for Your Sleep and Health? | Psychology Today
Headings: Is Magnolia Bark the Missing Link for Your Sleep and Health?
Michael J Breus Ph.D.
Is Magnolia Bark the Missing Link for Your Sleep and Health?
Magnolia can soothe, calm, and de-stress.
THE BASICS

Content: Another reason is magnolia’s ability to activate cannabinoid receptors. I wrote recently about the calming, mood-elevating power of cannabinoid compounds, and the body’s own endocannabinoid system. Studies show magnolia bark’s effectiveness as an anxiolytic. One study indicates that one of the active compounds in magnolia bark—honokiol—works as effectively as the drug diazepam to treat anxiety, without the same risks of dependency or side effects. Low mood. Magnolia bark affects the activity of both serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that are important to mood. Research indicates that magnolia on its own and in combination with ginger can help with depression. Brain health. Along with help for sleep, my patients often want to know how they can take good care of their brains and protect their cognitive abilities with age. The first thing I tell them: