Albizia, particularly the species Albizia julibrissin (also known as "silk tree" or "mimosa tree"), has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for calming the spirit and alleviating emotional disturbances such as irritability, anxiety, and insomnia. The dried flowers (He Huan Hua) and bark (He Huan Pi) are typically used for these purposes. Traditional texts describe Albizia as having properties that "relieve constraint," "lift the mood," and "calm the mind," making it a common ingredient in herbal formulas for emotional symptoms.

Scientific research on Albizia’s effects related to irritability or mood disturbances in humans is limited, though a few animal studies suggest potential anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. These effects are hypothesized to be due to compounds such as saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, which may modulate neurotransmitter systems. However, rigorous clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the evidence supporting its use for irritability is primarily based on historical and traditional usage rather than modern scientific validation. Given this, the evidence level is rated as 2, indicating plausible traditional support with only preliminary or indirect scientific backing.