Silk tree (albizia julibrissin)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Table of Contents

Other names for silk tree

Silk Tree Bark
Mimosa Tree
He Huan Pi (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Synopsis of silk tree

Silk tree (Albizia julibrissin), also known as Persian silk tree or mimosa tree, is a graceful, ornamental tree native to Asia, particularly China, Iran, and Korea. It belongs to the Fabaceae (legume) family and is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as He Huan Hua (flower) and He Huan Pi (bark). Both the bark and the flowers are used medicinally, each offering distinct therapeutic actions. The bark is calming and grounding, while the flower is uplifting and heart-opening.

Silk tree is most widely known in herbal medicine for its mood-regulating properties. The bark and flowers are used as gentle sedatives and anxiolytics, traditionally employed to relieve emotional tension, irritability, anxiety, and insomnia. In TCM, the herb is said to “calm the spirit,” “relieve constraint,” and “invigorate the blood,” making it useful in patterns of emotional stagnation, grief, or suppressed anger. It is also considered helpful for promoting restful sleep and easing mood fluctuations associated with hormonal shifts.

Modern studies suggest that Albizia julibrissin contains active constituents such as saponins, flavonoids, lignans, and alkaloids, which may explain its antidepressant, anxiolytic, and neuroprotective effects. These compounds are thought to influence neurotransmitter activity, particularly serotonin and dopamine regulation, and exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in the nervous system.

Historical Use:
The use of silk tree in Chinese herbalism dates back over 2,000 years. Its inclusion in classical texts like the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica) emphasized its emotional and spiritual benefits. The bark (He Huan Pi) was traditionally used to “anchor the spirit,” and was recommended for conditions like heart palpitations, forgetfulness, and disturbed sleep due to emotional distress. The flower (He Huan Hua), by contrast, was used to “lift the spirit,” recommended in cases of melancholy, grief, and depression. The combination of both was often used when the heart and liver were affected by emotional trauma.

In Daoist healing and spiritual practice, silk tree was also considered a “shen tonic”—a class of herbs used to nourish the spirit or soul. It was sometimes used ceremonially to help one overcome heartbreak or loss, and to promote emotional resilience and clarity.

Beyond Asia, silk tree has been adopted into Western herbalism as interest in adaptogenic and mood-supportive herbs has grown. It is commonly included in modern herbal formulas for stress, anxiety, PTSD, and grief. Its gentle, non-sedating nature makes it an appealing alternative to pharmaceutical anxiolytics for those seeking natural mood balance.

Silk tree is used for these health conditions

Anxiety (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Eye Infections (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Rashes and Hives (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

silk tree is used to support these body systems

Brain (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Serotonin (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)