The Persian silk tree or Silktree (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.), mostly used as an ornamental tree for its elegant and beautiful flowers, is also used as a medicinal plant both in Traditional Chinese medicine and in western herbalism for its healing properties. It calms the spirit, uplifts the mood, and treats depression and grief (for eample, due to the loss of a beloved one). Both the bark, more bitter, and the flowers (that are also edible when cooked) are used. Also the young leaves can be cooked and eaten.
Its Chinese name is He Huan Pi, that means “collective happiness bark”.
He Huan Pi (Cortex Albizziae Julibrissin)
Properties: Taste: sweet; nature: neutral.
Channels entered: Heart and Liver.
Functions and indications: Quiets the Spirit and relieves depression, nourishes the Heart, quickens the Blood and disperses swelling. It is indicated for
disquieted Heart and Spirit, insomnia and forgetfulness due to damage to the seven emotions, vexations and agitation, anxiety, Lung abscess, abscesses and
sores, and knock and falls.
Remarks: He Haun Pi is very mild in its effects and requires administration over a prolonged period.
References:
Xu Li, Wang Wei, “Chinese Materia Medica – Combinations and Applications“, Donica Publishing (2002)
