Silk Tree
Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)
Family: Fabaceae
Common Names: Mimosa Tree, Persian Silk Tree, Albizia
Parts Used: Bark, Flowers
Energetics
Temperature: Slightly cooling
Taste: Sweet, neutral, mildly astringent
Organs/Meridians: Heart, Liver
Traditional Uses
Chinese Medicine: Known as He Huan Pi (bark, “Collective Happiness Bark”) and He Huan Hua (flowers).
Considered a shen tonic—nourishes the spirit, calms the mind, and lifts depression.
Used for insomnia, anxiety, irritability, grief, and mood swings.
Bark often employed for trauma recovery (both emotional and physical), restlessness, and poor memory.
Flowers more specifically used for depression, constrained Liver qi, and heart-centered sorrow.
Actions
Nervine (calming, uplifting)
Anxiolytic (reduces anxiety)
Antidepressant (traditionally recognized)
Sedative (mild)
Cardiotonic (supports heart qi & blood circulation)
Anti-inflammatory (mild)
Clinical Indications
Emotional distress: grief, heartbreak, agitation, mood disorders.
Insomnia & disturbed sleep (esp. with excessive thinking).
PTSD & trauma recovery (supportive herb for grounding and emotional regulation).
Menopausal mood changes (anxiety, irritability, sleep disruption).
Adjunct for mild depression (especially where there is a heavy, grieving quality).
Preparations & Dosage
Tincture (bark or flowers):
1:5 in 40–50% alcohol.
Bark: 2–5 mL, up to 3x/day.
Flowers: 2–4 mL, up to 3x/day.Tea/Infusion: Flowers steeped as a mild relaxing tea.
Powdered bark: 2–6 grams/day, traditionally decocted.
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe and well-tolerated.
Avoid in pregnancy unless under guidance (limited safety data).
Use caution with CNS depressants (additive sedative effect possible).
Spirit & Symbolism
Called the “Tree of Happiness”—used to relieve grief and promote joy.
Traditionally seen as a heart-opener, fostering forgiveness, reconciliation, and a lightening of emotional burdens.
Often planted as an ornamental of joy and beauty, symbolizing resilience and delight.