He Huan Hua
Albizia julibrissin Durazz.
☯ TCM Properties
Relieves Constraint and Calms the Spirit; Regulates Qi and opens the Stomach; Dispels Wind and Brightens the Eyes; Invigorates the collaterals and alleviates pain
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Albizia julibrissin, the silk tree or mimosa, is a small to medium deciduous tree in the Fabaceae growing 5-12 m tall with a broad, flat-topped, spreading crown and smooth grey-brown bark. The alternate leaves are large and bipinnate, 20-45 cm long, with 6-12 pairs of pinnae each bearing 20-30 pairs of small, oblong, asymmetrical leaflets that fold together at night. Flowers are borne in showy hemispherical heads at the branch tips in summer; each head appears as a powder-puff of numerous long pink to whitish stamens, the small calyx and tubular corolla being inconspicuous. Fruits are flat, papery, straw-coloured legumes 10-20 cm long. The dried flower clusters, collected in early summer just before full opening, constitute He Huan Hua.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-30g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
He Huan Hua (albizzia flower, silk tree flower) is a neutral, sweet herb used in Chinese medicine to calm the Spirit and ease emotional distress. It is specifically indicated for emotional conditions arising from Liver Qi stagnation and Heart Shen disturbance — including depression, insomnia, irritability, poor memory, and grief. Lighter in action than He Huan Pi (the bark of the same tree), the flower is gentler and more appropriate as a daily herb for mood and sleep support in mild to moderate cases.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.