Myth and Medicine of Magnolia × alba

in #photography7 years ago

Taken By Nikon D90 with Macro Converter


By @ichsanabbas

Magnolia × alba, also known as the white champaca, white sandalwood, or white jade orchid tree, is a flowering plant of hybrid origin that is commonly cultivated in Southeast Asia and tropical regions of East Asia. Although the exact origin is uncertain, it is considered to be a hybrid of Magnolia champaca and Magnolia montana. (Wikipedia)

White champaca derived from the original of Bahasa Indonesia Cempaka Putih. In Indonesia the flower called in many different region names; Kantil (Java), Jeumpa Gadeng (Aceh), Cempaka Putieh (Minangkabau), Cempaka Bodas (Sunda), Cempaka Mawure (Sulawesi Utara), Cempaka Pote (Madura), Bunga eja kebo (Ujung Pandang), Bunga eja mapute (Bugis).

Magnolia × alba is widely cultivated as an ornamental in Asia, particularly tropical and subtropical regions of China and Southeast Asia for the strongly fragrant flowers. In Indonesia, the pleasantly fragrant flower is used and arranged together with Jasminum sambac as flower garland, especially wore by brides during traditional wedding ceremony. An essential oil is extracted from the flowers. In China, where it is known as bai lan (白蘭), the flowers are used to prepare yulan tea. In traditional Chinese medicine, the flowers are used to move qi and relieve cough. (Wikipedia)


(Source)

Typical sweet, spicy, and warm. Efficacious as an expectorant and diuretic. Flower nutritious overcome bronchitis, cough, fever, vaginal discharge, and inflammation of the prostate. While the roots are used to treat urinary tract infections.

The related myth is believed by the public is the fragrant scent is often used to summon supernatural spirits in the event of custom rituals, or bring a positive aura so often found when sowing the flowers in the cemetery. People with their tradition also believed this flower used to detect the virginity of the bride. It is said that, if the bride is no longer virgin, the stirred flower are not scented with fragrance and the flower will open, not bud. Conversely, if the bride is still a virgin, flower keep budding and spread fragrance scent.