Day 4: Magnolia petal tea
- Sarah-Jane Cobley
- Apr 5
- 3 min read
Magnolia grandiflora
Our van broke down on the way to Devon and so while we awaited a lift, we went for a walk to see what wild herbs were in the local area. There were many candidates for a tea, but it was the magnolia tree that I passed a few times that felt magnetic.
It’s no surprise as it is stunning, and I’m always lured in by the most tranquil spots. I think I’m getting even more of a sense of myself as well. My hunger for exciting new discoveries, as well as the comfort of old friends.
I love learning and the prominent piece of learning that I’m noticing this year is an eagerness to go deeper with my experience of taste, and how to describe it. I know this will build up an even stronger relationship with the herbs around me as it is so intimate.
ID features
I love the way these small trees spread out their low winding branches in a way that I can imagine a pixie would enjoy perching right in the middle of. The big tulip-shaped flowers also look like the perfect bed for a flower fairy!
I find the pink ones most alluring, especially when the flowers are young and still cup-shaped. Older flowers spread out and become more star-like and eventually the petals drop off leaving the large stamen covered stigma which becomes the fruit.
In the pink ones the centre looks like smaller dark pink spikes surrounding a large central green spike. In the younger flowers you can see the pollen on the dark red spikes of stamen.
The petals are quite thick and succulent, and the scent is a sweet floral lemony scent, which reminded me of jasmine and vanilla.
Medicinal uses
This is not a medicine I have used in my practice and so I have been intrigued to find out more. It is the seeds that are used, and it is reported that they have a variety of effects including being antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, the latter being due to its prostaglandin inhibiting action.
It has also been found to stimulate the immune system as well as offer neuroprotection, reducing seizures and promoting sleep. It has a positive effect on the heart and blood pressure, plus the digestive and respiratory track.
As a muscle relaxant it treats anxiety and tension both internally and environmentally. One look at magnolia will instantly uplift the spirits!
How to make a cuppa
I broke up all the petals of one flower and popped it into my flask of hot water. I left it to brew for a while and even saved some for the morning. The taste didn’t really seem to infuse into the water which was disappointing and so I munched on the petals instead.
It seems to me that they are more edible than drinkable.
Taste
Eating the petals is more satisfying taste wise, and in doing so I noted a floral gingery taste. In the early stages of my learning to distinguish between flavours, I find it hard to separate the scent and the taste. The floral jasmine/vanilla aspect and the lemony/ginger spice portion.
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For those Local to me:
My next herb walk is at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th April. Meet in Peel Park, (on the Community Centre side), in Long Ashton, North Somerset, BS41 9DP. Bring a flask of hot water for a foraged tea.
There will also be a walk in Ashton Court on Tuesday 22nd April. Meet at the entrance to the rose garden with a flask of hot water. We must be mindful that the gates to the grounds are shut at sunset, (8pm), and so we will finish promptly at 7.40pm.
£10 cash on arrival, or pre-pay option via: https://www.healthneedsthyme.co.uk/services
Herbal Medicine Consultations
I am a qualified medical herbalist, trained in much the same way as a GP. However, my medicines are from nature's larder. They nourish and strengthen so that your body can heal itself. I offer consultations via video call and send tonics out in the post. Email me to book an appointment: sarah-janecobley@healthneedsthyme.co.uk
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