From Petal to Bottle: The Journey of Magnolia Essential Oil

Welcome back to Harvetsers’ Corner! I have always loved to see pictures of Magnolia blossoms and was super excited when I was able to see one in person. My appreciation of this flower has only deepened with what I have learned with this article.

magnolia tree

The Magnolia is a diverse species of tree, with around 210 varieties documented based on flower color and size, as well as habitat. (1) It is primarily a deciduous tree, although there are some evergreen varieties that have evolved over time. The tree has a tall, straight trunk with slender branches and lush green leaves which form the backdrop for the jewel of the tree, its flowers. Several years ago, I saw a Magnolia tree, the first I had ever seen. We were in a cemetery, where my husband was taking pictures of statues. As my gaze wandered absently around the grounds, I saw it. The tree, Magnolia grandiflora, stood fifty, maybe sixty feet tall, with a lower trunk that looked big enough to require four adults holding hands to encircle it. I approached the tree with glee, breathing the perfumed air deeply as I did so. Thousands of flowers covered the tree. As I came closer my excitement turned to awe as I realized just how large these flowers were. I could easily cup one and have it cover both of my hands. These flowers start to bloom in March, and even though they last for only a few weeks, the tree continues to produce blossoms throughout the summer and early fall. (2) One ideal I came across as I was researching this post was the concept that even though the flower’s life is short, it is unwavering amid the turbulent winds of spring to convey the power and resilience of life. (3) As I indicated earlier, these beautiful flowers are noted for their size, as well as the lack of sap and an abundance of pollen. (4)

A Flower of Strength, Honor, and Grace Through the Ages

The name Magnolia was given to the tree around 1703 by botanist Charles Plumier, in honor of another botanist named Pierre Magnol, who pioneered the concept of grouping plants in families based on similar characteristics which distinguish them from other species. (5)

I’ve mentioned before that my husband is an amateur historian. I asked him how old he thought the Magnolia species was. I smiled as he answered and I replied, “Oh no…It is MUCH older.” As it turns out, Magnolia trees and their flowers literally date back to the time of the dinosaurs. My research showed that fossil records indicate that Magnolias existed in Europe, North America, and Asia over 100 million years ago. Today they are indigenous to only the Southeastern part of North America and Southern Asia. (6) As I pondered that timeframe, I looked up what was happening at that epoch and found it was what geologists call the Cretaceous period. This geological age witnessed a rapid proliferation and diversification of flowering plants and lasted for roughly 77.1 million years.

To better understand this number, let’s compare a year to a piece of copy paper. A package, or ream, as it is called, has 500 sheets of paper, and is about two inches (5 cm) thick. So based on comparison we are building, 500 years ago saw Europe emerging from the Middle Ages and was the start of the modern era. Maritime explorers were working their way around Africa in search of the source of the many spices they enjoyed. The existence of the American continents had recently come to Spain’s attention after Columbus “sailed the ocean blue in 1492.” Around 1519 Cortez encountered the Aztecs and Europe learned of the existence of Vanilla. So, if we then expand our comparison of a sheet of paper to a year, 77.1 million sheets of paper would stand roughly 300 feet (91.4 meters) tall, comparable to a thirty-story building like the Woolworth Building in New York City or the Cathedral of Segovia in Spain. To further put this into perspective, this era ended approximately 160 million years ago, which would be a stack of paper over 600 feet (more than 183 meters) tall!

magnolia blossoms

The Cretaceous Era’s name comes from the Latin work creta, or “chalk,” from the extensive chalk beds associated with the latter years of the era. Most of the Cretaceous period was warm, with countless inland seas being created as the continental plates spread apart. As these seas evaporated the animals in them died and left behind their shells, which created the chalk beds which formed the basis for the era’s name. The end of the Cretaceous era was marked by the sudden and catastrophic impact of the asteroid which formed the Chicxulub crater along the Yucatan Peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico.

Magnolia faced a problem long before the asteroid hit. That problem was pollination. How does a flower get pollenated when winged insects like bees wouldn’t show up for another 30 million years? The answer reveals a true Beauty and the Beast tale, and yes, it is a tale as old as time. Magnolia flowers are pollenated by primitive, wingless beetles. (7)

The Magnolia possesses both male and female reproductive organs on each flower. To help prevent self-pollination the different parts are not active at the same time. (8) Throughout the flower’s life, however, is the humble beetle, attracted to and crawling over the petals ever in search of a meal. With the rising of the new sun, the flower’s petals open, and the beetle is drawn to a flower by its fragrance. As it moves about eating, pollen from the flower is released and gathers on the shell. Once the sun goes down, the petals close over the beetle and it keeps moving around, eating in an environment safe from predators, and unknowingly getting covered with more pollen. Then the sun rises again and the flower petals open. The beetle waddles off in search for more food. On the next flower the beetle will either pollenate the female receptors if they are active or continue to be dusted by more pollen as it eats. (9, 10) Another advantage of the petals closing at night is it reduces the risk of self-pollination due to a breeze, although Magnolia trees in Europe have adapted to the lack of beetles by keeping the flowers open a bit longer. As a result, a Magnolia species in China, fertilized by beetles, will have white flowers, while the same species in Europe, fertilized by other insects and the breeze, will have pink flowers! (11)

Magnolia was long thought to be the oldest flower, but modern research has uncovered ancestral flowers pre-dating Magnolia. In 2022 an article talked of a fossilized flower bud which had been dated to 164 million years ago, almost 40 million years older than the evidence for Magnolia. (12) Historically, Magnolia trees grew quite large with several averaging nearly 100 feet (30.5 meters) tall. (13) Farmers and harvesters would erect scaffolding around the trees to facilitate the harvest. In the modern day the trees are kept in giant wood or concrete containers until they are mature. Then the tree is planted (while still in the container) in the ground. Because of the intervention, the tree will grow out rather than up, making harvesting easier, safer, and quicker. (14, 15) The petals are typically harvested either early morning and/or late evening to ensure better oil production. (16)

Warriors and Fairies 

As I was researching Mangolia, I was surprised to see the Chinese name for the plant: Yingchunhua, or Mùlán huā. (17). This intrigued me, since the Magnolia flower is symbolic of strength, fearlessness, honor, loyalty, kindness and gentleness. (18, 19) All of these traits are found in the warrior legend of Mulan which begins, “Last night I saw the army notice. The Khan is calling for soldiers, the army list is twelve scrolls long, and my father’s name is on every scroll. My father has no grown son. And I, Mulan, have no older brother. I will buy a horse and saddle, and serve in my father’s place.” (20) This she did to protect her father and her country, showcasing the same traits as the flower which bears her name.

from bud to full bloom

Magnolia flowers are the “fairy of flowers,” with colors spanning the visible spectrum. (21) The best-known color is a flawless white. These blossoms stand out like fairies perched on branches, showcasing their beauty for all to see. (22) Then there are the blushing flowers, with a touch of pink in the petals. These dance in the breeze, enticing us with their sweetness. (23) Some bloom with either a light or deep purple hue to the petals. These flirt between the shadows of the leaves and the sunlight, beckoning us into a fairy wonderland. (24) Lastly, there are those that blaze with a bright yellow, full of life and vitality. (25)

The Chinese regard the flower as the embodiment of strength, loyalty, and honor, as mentioned earlier. In Japan, Magnolias are admired for their simplicity and natural beauty. They are not overly ornamental, which blends well with the Japanese ideal of appreciating an item in its purest form. (26)

Modern Uses

One of the primary applications of Magnolia has been in cosmetics, as it helps promote healthy skin tone. There are other ways in which it can be used, which tend to get overlooked. I quickly discovered that care must be taken when evaluating research articles, as I came across several looking at the impact of the bark of the Magnolia tree has on the body. The oil comes from the petals, which possess a different chemical make-up when compared to the bark. While the bark can be used to help reduce anxious feelings and support a healthy immune response, the flower helps support a healthy respiratory system (27) Magnolia oil is steam distilled from the petals. One of the primary constituents of the oil is Linalool, a molecule which is fantastic for skin tone. It also helps ease feelings of stress or anxiousness and sedative properties to help provide a soothing, steadying input for the mind and body. (28) It can also promote feelings of peace and relaxation and may also support the respiratory system.

Magnolia petals have a rich history of being used in culinary applications. Not all varieties are edible, but the petals of those that are contain a citrusy, slightly spicy taste. The petals find use in both salads and teas. One of the most common applications in the culinary world is pickled Magnolia petals, which is very popular in China and Japan. (29) I do need to specify here that doTERRA’s Magnolia is not Generally Regarded As Safe (GRAS), as it has Fractionated Coconut added, so please do not add it to salad dressing or beverages!

The Art, Science, and Sourcing Behind dōTERRA’s Magnolia Touch Essential Oil

In China Magnolia is widely distributed and can be found in both the colder northern region and the warm, humid southern region. They grow well in fertile, well-drained soil, characteristics which have enabled the tree to be adapted into horticulture as an ornamental species in both urban and rural environments. (30 ) The source of dōTERRA’s Magnolia oil (Michelia alba) is in rural Southern China, one of the indigenous regions of the tree, and home to blossoms full of fragrance. The petals are hand-picked from the trees and spread out to dry for several hours before being distilled. Flowers are harvested in spring and in fall. (31)

Magnolia Touch

Magnolia is a costly oil, in part because of the difficulty growing and harvesting. (32) And like other flower oils such as Jasmine and Rose, the petals do not provide a high yield, another factor which contributes to the cost. (33) To help with affordability, dōTERRA offers the oil in its Touch line, oils which have a high volatility temperature and have been combined with Fractionated Coconut Oil to enable the body to be able to better utilize the oil constituents. Magnolia essential oil is also available in two blends unique to dōTERRA. These are the ADAPTIV Calming blend and Steady, a grounding blend made with children in mind, which is part of the Kids product line. I will say that some of the “kids” that I know who use the blends like Steady are over fifty years young. Because of the Linalool, Magnolia essential oil blends well with florals like Jasmine, Rose, Melissa, Lavender, and Ylang Ylang, as well as citrus like Bergamot, Wild Orange, Grapefruit, Lemon, and Neroli. (34). It even blends well with another ancient plant, Coriander.

Co-Impact Sourcing works with sourcing partners to help bring stable, reliable economic opportunities to rural regions of China and help the local farmers, harvesters, and distillers become more self-reliant. I get excited when I learn that a product I use helps someone else become more stable and better in their home environment. I also know that the sourcing partners dōTERRA works with help enable people to remain in their ancestral homes and work, as opposed to having to move to a large city in search of employment. Not only do I benefit from using the oil in my own life, I make an impact on the other side of the world.

SOURCES

1.       Arbor Hills Tree Farm. “Magnolia Tree Facts.” 30 July 2022. Online. <https://arborhilltrees.com/blog/magnolia-tree-facts> Accessed 14 August 2025.

2.       Evich, Philip. “The Botany of Magnolias.” Smithsonian Gardens. Online. <https://gardens.si.edu/learn/blog/the-botany-of-magnolias> Accessed 15 July 2025.

3.       Chinese Showcase. “Magnolia Flower Meaning in Chinese Culture.” 29 March 2024. Online. <https://www.chinese-showcase.com/blogs/fengshui/magnolia-flower-meaning-in-chinese-culture?srsltid=AfmBOopOgp81OpBNR_eC-BJ8gbnZ4kt5XorHNtr0PR8XBrqKaQFwWWY1> Accessed 14 August 2025.

4.       Williams, Charles. “History of Magnolias.” Caerhays Estate. Online, <https://visit.caerhays.co.uk/the-estate/the-gardens/history-of-magnolias> Accessed 15 July 2025.

5.       Evich, Philip. “The Botany of Magnolias.”

6.       Williams, Charles. “History of Magnolias.”

7.       Ibid

8.       Arboriculture. “A History of the Magnolia.” 6 January 2016. Online. <https://arboriculture.wordpress.com/2016/01/06/a-history-of-the-magnolia> Accessed 22 August 2025.

9.       The Magnolia Company. “Discovering the Magnificent Magnolia: A Journey Through Time and Gardens.” 21 May 2024. Online. <https://www.themagnoliacompany.com/ blog/discovering-the-mafnificent-magnolia-a-journey-through-time-and-gardens/?srsltid=AfmBOopnscmqfSzYsl3v3zZv5d9zlg1fjyPcX3vKZhCJAxPzkPZNgNME> Accessed 14 August 2025.

10.  Arboriculture. “A History of the Magnolia.”

11.  Williams, Charles. “History of Magnolias.”

12.  Kerns, Mary Porter. “Magnolia’s Journey Out of Deep Time.” The Flowers are Speaking. 16 March 2023. <https://theflowersarespeaking.com /2023/03/16/magnolias-journey-out-of-deep-time> Accessed 15 July 2025.

13.  dōTERRA. “The Blog: Magnolia Touch Uses and Benefits.” The Blog. Online. <https://www.doterra.com/blog/spotlight-magnolia-touch-oil> 14 August 2025

14.  dōTERRA. “Magnolia Touch Oil Blend.” Product Information Page. Online. <https://www.doterrs.com/US/en/p/doterra-magnolia-touch> Accessed 14 August 2025.

15.  dōTERRA. “The Blog: Magnolia Touch Uses and Benefits.”

16.  Ibid.

17.  Chinese Showcase. “Magnolia Flower Meaning in Chinese Culture.”

18.  Ibid.

19.  Columbia Insights. “Unveiling the Enchanted Secrets of Magnolia Flowers: A Symbolic Journey.” Online. <https://thingscope.cs.columbis.edu/magnolia-flower-meaning> Accessed 22 August 2025.

20.  Sun, Venus. “Culture Spotlight: Magnolia and Mulan.” Lan Su Chinese Garden, 20 March 2025. Online. <https://lansugarden.org/culture-spotlight-happy-spring-equinox-chuden%E6^98%A5%E5%88%86> Acessed14 August 2025.

21.  Chinese Showcase. “Magnolia Flower Meaning in Chinese Culture.”

22.  Ibid

23.  Ibid.

24.  Ibid.

25.  Ibid.

26.  THURSD, “The Meaning of the Magnolia Flower.” 19 February 2025. Online. <https://thursd.com/articles/meaning-of-magnolia-flower> Accessed 22 August 2025.

27.  Columbia Insights. “Unveiling the Enchanted Secrets of Magnolia Flowers: A Symbolic Journey.”

28.  dōTERRA. “Magnolia Touch.” Online. <https://www.doterra.com/US/en/doterra-magnolia-touch-education> Accessed 14 August 2025.

29.  THURSD, “The Meaning of the Magnolia Flower.”

30.  Chinese Showcase. “Magnolia Flower Meaning in Chinese Culture.”

31.  dōTERRA. “Magnolia Touch Oil Blend.”

32.  dōTERRA. “The Blog: Magnolia Touch Uses and Benefits.”

33.  dōTERRA. “Magnolia Touch.”

34.  dōTERRA. “The Blog: Magnolia Touch Uses and Benefits.”

Disclaimer

All views on Harvesters’ Corner are those of the author. I am a Wellness Advocate with dōTERRA, and I use the essential oils daily. Any purchases made through my affiliate link may earn me a commission. The oils are not intended to treat or cure any illness.