Meet Magnolia Flower!
While “Magnolia” may bring to mind that Grande Dame of stately floral trees that grace the South, this essential oil actually comes from another type of Magnolia, which is cultivated in China and Southeast Asia for its ornamental and aromatic beauty.[1]
Background
This Magnolia tree (Michelia Alba) has broad green leaves and large white flowers with spear-shaped petals. The flowers of this Asian variation are prized for their fragrance. And, it’s from these flowers that the essential oil is produced.
If you’re expecting a strongly scented floral, evocative of the Southern Magnolia, you’re in for a surprise! This essential oil delights with a unique sweet, fruity, exotic scent that’s more softly spoken.
The whole Magnolia family has a fascinating ancestry, with prehistoric fossils dating back nearly 100 million years. [2] As descendants of this primitive line, the flower of this particular Asian variety made its way into ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it has been revered for it’s therapeutic benefits and steeped into a fragrant tea.[3]
Magnolia flowers also remain central to Southeast Asian culture for observances and celebrations signifying births and new beginnings. In Indonesia, brides opting for a traditional wedding ceremony wear beautifully fragrant garlands of specifically Michelia Alba and Jasmine Sambac. [4]
Benefits
The main constituent of Magnolia Flower is Linalool, which is well known for its soothing and calming capabilities. The sweet, fruity, exotic scent of Magnolia is sedating and relaxing, yet uplifting. The aroma is calming and can help ease worry and tension in both the mind and body. Magnolia Flower can also be helpful for minor abrasions, scars, and to increase circulation. It can help relieve congestion, and also discomfort during your monthly cycle.
Magnolia Flower also makes a wonderful support for the spirit. It can resonate and help bring balance to the heart center (4th chakra). In their book “Aromatherapy and Subtle Energy Techniques,” Keim and Bull suggest Magnolia Flower can support our “ability to give and receive love” as well as to “speak and hear about it.” [5]
Blending
Because Magnolia flower isn’t an aggressively scented floral, I found it blends with ease, creating an enjoyable exploration. I was immediately fond of the fragrance, and it’s become a welcome and beloved addition to my arsenal.
Here are a few of my favorite synergies that you might also like to experience!
As a bonus, I’ve blended it with some beloved features from past Oil of the Month selections. As always, please feel free to take inspiration and create your own personal encounter with this uniquely beautiful aromatic essence.
These mini-master blends can be placed in your diffuser, you can add a drop to an aromatherapy diffuser locket, or tripled for a personal inhaler. They can also be diluted appropriately in your favorite carrier oil for topical application, or your favorite DIY base (except where noted).
Please note Magnolia Flower is not considered KidSafe®. And, because it is being mixed with other essential oils, please note any other cautions listed with each synergy.
SLUMBER SOOTHER
- 2 drops Magnolia Flower Michelia alba
- 2 drops Petitgrain Citrus x aurantium
- 1 drop Marjoram Sweet Origanum majorana
For a relaxing bedtime bath, add to:
- 1-2 T unscented natural body wash
- ½ C Epsom salts
Wash away your worries. Relaxing to body and mind to slip into a more restful slumber.
KidSafe®: No
Cautions: For Magnolia Flower, we recommend a maximum dilution of 1% for topical applications
GARLAND OF GRACE
- 2 drops Jasmine Absolute Jasminum sambac
- 2 drops Magnolia Flower Michelia alba
- 1 drop Peru Balsam Myroxylon balsamum*
Worn by Indonesian brides during their wedding ceremony, Jasmine represents purity and grace, while Magnolia symbolizes womanly beauty and gentleness. Use this beautiful fragrance for a soothing scent for your space and to support the softer side of your spirit.
KidSafe®: No
Cautions: This synergy is recommended for inhalation only. For Magnolia Flower, we recommend a maximum dilution of 1% for topical applications. For Jasmine Absolute, we recommend a maximum dilution of 0.7% for topical applications. For Peru Balsam, we recommend a maximum dilution of 0.4% for topical applications.
- Peru Balsam was featured as an Oil of the Month Selection. Check back to see if it will be offered for general availability. Vanilla Oleoresin (Vanilla planifolia) can be substituted, except for use in the diffuser.
SKIN NECTAR
- 2 drops Magnolia Flower Michelia alba
- 2 drops Lavender Flower CO2 Lavandula angustifolia*
- 1 drop Neroli Citrus x aurantium
Relaxing and restoring to the mind. Rejuvenating for the skin. Combine at a1% dilution in your favorite carrier oil, such as Younger Glo Carrier Oil Blend, or an unscented lotion such as Olive Lotion Unscented Base for an all over treat.
KidSafe®: No
Cautions: For Magnolia Flower, we recommend a maximum dilution of 1% for topical applications
- Lavender Flower CO2 was featured as an Oil of the Month Selection. Check back to see if it will be offered for general availability. Lavender Fine can be substituted.
AROMA FROM THE ANCIENTS
- 2 drops Kumquat Fortunella japonica*
- 2 drops Ho Wood Cinnamomum camphora
- 1 drop Magnolia Flower Michelia alba
KidSafe®: No
Cautions: For Magnolia Flower, we recommend a maximum dilution of 1% for topical applications
A wonderful blend for meditation and introspection in communion with the ancient nature of aromatic plants. Kumquat comes to us down through the ages as one of the original ancestral citrus fruits. Magnolia predates recorded history from primitive times. Both plants have been revered in ancient healing practices. And, with Magnolia Flower and Ho Wood exceptionally high in Linalool and Kumquat especially high in Limonene, this unique synergy is immensely uplifting, comforting and relaxing to the senses.
- Kumquat was an Oil of the Month selection. Please check back to see if it will be offered for general availability. Orange Sweet (Citrus sinensis), or another sweet citrus of your choice could be substituted for slightly different results.
Sources:
[1] “Magnolia × Alba.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Apr. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_%C3%97_alba.
[2] ““Michelia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Apr. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelia.
[3] “Magnolia × Alba.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Apr. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_%C3%97_alba.
[4] “Magnolia × Alba.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 Apr. 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnolia_%C3%97_alba.
[5] Keim, Joni, and Ruah Bull. Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques: Compassionate Healing with Essential Oils. CreateSpace, 2015.
For anyone missing their Magnolia oil, I use Living Libations. She has both magnolia leaf and flower oils sourced directly from India. I’ve had them for over 2 years and they’re still strong! Maybe in the meantime, while they decide if they will restock this oil. The quality is superb.
Excellent post and wonderful blog, this sort of interesting posts I really like, keep it up…
do you think I can still buy Machelia Alba essential oil now?
Magnolia is probably my favorite scent and I hope to obtain this oil at some point. This information was interesting. I had no idea it was so historically present .
May I know the shelf life of this oil? Thank you 🙂
Great question, Tere! The shelf life for Magnolia Flower is 2-3 years 🙂
I was surprised to read the description of the scent of this. I expected something totally different.
I love, love, love this oil! Please bring it back!!!!
also, is it kid safe for diffusing? thanks
Jessica, the Magnolia Flower is not Kdisafe for topical use or diffusion.
Love the Magnolia Flower!!!! Please make it available for purchase, I need more
I have been coming back trying to purchase this oil for a while now… When will it be available?
Unfortunately there is no guarantee that it will, nor do we have an ETA for it. I will pass on your request, though! The more requests we get, the more likely we are to add it to regular stock. 🙂
Is there still no plans to make this oil available again? I really really want this oil! Please make it available again soon! 🙂
Antoinette, we know our customers love this oil and we wish we could always have it on hand 🙂 Unfortunately, we have no ETA on if/when it will be stocked again, but as long as customers keep letting us know how much they love it, Magnolia will stay on our radar! Thank you so much for your input 🙂
Thanks so much for the quick response!
I still struggle to love this one. I just don’t use it much.
Please please please make this for regular purchase!!!
Hmmm as I read everyone’s comments I’m wondering if I’m just a weird one because the scent in mine is not what is described, I also had my sister and niece smell, and we all agreed it smelled like vomit. I feel horrible saying that, because I haven’t encountered any oil I dislike. That being said I plan to make the best of it and figure out some good blends because I hear it has phenomenal properties.
Hope it will be available for regular purchase soon!
Fingers crossed!!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this oil! I am being so stingy with it. I hope you guys can bring it back as a normal item!
We are glad you love it so much, Kyla! Customer input like this is what we want to know, so thank you for sharing!
In using it for menstrual relief, where would you apply it? Arms? Abdomen? Thanks!
When using essential oils topically, it is best to target the area of discomfort such as your lower abdomen. You can apply by gently massaging it in. If you have the product details sheet, either mailed with your oil, or located in the blog, you will find a wonderful recipe. Hope this helps!
Ellen!!! I absolutely LOVE the Aroma From the Ancients blend!!!! I think this is going to be one of my all time favorites!!! Oh my truly wonderful!!!
Yayyyy! I’m so glad you love it! Thank you for letting me know! Enjoy!
I would love this oil but it’s no longer available when I click on it. When will it be back in stock?
Hi Laura, I would suggest contacting our Customer Service team for more information. You can reach them at 800-917-6577. Have a great day!
Hi! I love this oil! I was wondering if the test results are available to look at?? Thanks!!
Yes! Send us an email to [email protected] and we’ll get that sent over to you. 🙂
Is there anyway I can still buy this scent? My parents have the tree at home and I’d love to have this to remind me of it!!
Hello! I would suggest reaching out to our customer service team directly to see if this past oil of the month is available for purchase still. You can email them directly at [email protected] 🙂
Is this all sold out?… I clicked the link – and it says items is not available…
That’s really weird. I would reach out to our customer service department for more assistance with this issue. You can email them directly at [email protected] 🙂
I’d love some suggestions on other blends or uses for this oil please. I dont have ho wood, neroli or peru balsam for the above blends. Is the scent and properties of magnolia similar to any other oils?
I really loved blending the Magnolia Flower with Vetiver. It made such a sweet and earthy aroma. I think it’d also blend nicely with Bergamot or Grapefruit Pink. 🙂
Great, thank you for the suggestions 🙂
Glad you enjoyed and found them helpful! 🙂
I’m absolutely in love with this oil! I’m not a big floral person, mostly prefer earthy scents but I LOVE this one! Can’t wait to experiment with it 🙂 I
It’s very lovely! I’m not a huge fan of it straight out of the bottle, but diffused, it is to DIE for. 🙂
This oil is AMAZING. I’ve been diffusing it every day since it came in and I absolutely love it!
I can’t find it on the site! When will it be available for purchase?
The oil of the month oils aren’t necessarily always added to regular inventory, it’s typically based on popular demand. I would recommend reaching out to our customer service department for more information. 🙂 You can email them directly at [email protected]!
I love this oil! Every night I have been diffusing magnolia flower with bergamot and I sleep so peacefully.
That sounds wonderful Geri! Thanks for sharing!
WANT!!!
I received Magnolia in my April Oil of the Month. I love it!!!
We’re so glad Cathy!
I tried searching PT for the Magnolia oil. It’s not coming up…is it available for purchase? Thank you!
Thanks for asking Kristi! Magnolia Flower was April’s Oil of the Month and was only available during that time. You can always contact our Customer Service team at [email protected] to see if we have any in stock. Have a great day!
Ellen I look forward to your mini blends for inspiration for these amazing OOTMs! Going to try slumber soother tonight as I’ve had a stressful day today!
I’m so glad you enjoy them! I hope the Slumber Soother was helpful. As always, feel free to tweak to your own unique needs!
I have never used the oils before but what i have read a lot of the things and I am going to start using them. I have had a lot of wonderful people tell me that they will help me if i need it. Thank you all so much for your help and maybe it will help with my husband crolasion in his feet. He has seven stents in one leg and one in the other one. So i pray it will work for him to. Thank you again.
Tracey, I’m so sorry that your husband is dealing with this! Please feel free to email our Aromatherapist team at [email protected] and we would be happy to help you get started. Looking forward to hearing from you!