ALBIZIA JULIBRISSIN HERBAL MONOGRAPH
Albizia julibrissin
Persian Silk Tree, Mimosa Tree
Family: Fabaceae
Sub-family: Mimosoideae
Description: A large deciduous tree to 8 metres tall, with bi-pinnate, fern-like leaves and scented pink puffball flowers which bloom throughout the Summer. Becomes invasive in non-native soils.
Origin: Albizia is native to China, Persia, Korea & Japan, and is found growing in Africa, the Middle East and America.
Energetics: Cooling, moistening & relaxing.
Taste: Sweet.
Parts used: Bark and flowers.
Actions: Analgesic, nervine, vulnerary.
Folklore & traditions: Albizia belongs to the ‘Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit’ category in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where it is an integral herb for treating anxiety, depression, irritability, poor memory & insomnia derived from stored emotions.
Traditionally Albizia is used as an anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility, anti-anxiety, anti-depressant, and anti-fever medicine. Traditionally recommend its use for anyone who is suffering from grief as a result of a severe loss.
Constituents: Anti-oxidants, saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, flavonol glycosides & phenolic compounds.
Chakra: Heart.
Medicinal Uses: Tonic for depression, anxiety & grief. In China, Albizia is called the Tree of Happiness, categorised in Chinese Materia Medica as a calming spirit herb. Albizia is a tonic for depression, anxiety, grief and insomnia. The flowers and bark are both used as a calming sedative, and have slightly different properties. The bark is thought to ‘anchor’ the spirit, while the flowers ‘lighten’ it. Used together the flower and bark are a balanced remedy for mood stabilisation.
It is the ability of Albizia to act upon serotonin receptors (in particular, 5-HT1A receptors) that appears to be one of the major mechanisms behind its anti-depressant, anxiolytic and sedative effects. The journal, ‘Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Behavior’ links the anxiety relieving effects of Albizia to its interaction with serotonin, and the connection to its antidepressant effects through the interaction with the 5-HT1A receptor system.
Insomnia. The flowers & bark have also been used for the treatment of insomnia, amnesia, depression, melancholy and anxiety Albizia enhances all aspects of neurotransmitter secretion and regulation. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology reports that Albizia julibrissin is an effective treatment for insomnia due to its ability to modulate GABA and 5-HT2c receptors which in turn affect serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine .
Natural pain relief (analgesic). Albizia bark is also used for its analgesic properties in cases of pain and swelling from trauma. Albizia bark is used for pain and swelling from trauma, including broken bones, because of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to promote circulation, reduce swellings and ‘knit bones’. It may also be used in more chronic conditions such as degenerative diseases of the joints and muscles. To this end, it may also be used in more serious injuries, such as fractures.
Skin health. The bark may be used for external abscesses, carbuncles, furuncles and slow-healing wounds and may be used topically for these purposes. it to use in cases of abscesses and boils. In particular, it is indicated for lung abscesses and may also be used topically for suppurative sores.
Respiratory. The bark may be used in formulas addressing abscesses of the lung.
Cautions & Contraindications: Albizia has no known side effects and can be taken long term as a nervine tonic for most people. Pregnancy is the only exception. and Albizia is contraindicated for the entire pregnancy and lactation, and also if trying to conceive. May cause drowsiness in some people.
SHOP YANTRA HERBS ANTI-ANXIETY TEA WITH ALBIZIA FLOWERS HERE.
References: Cho, S., et al. “Hypnotic effects and binding studies for GABAA and 5-HT2C receptors of traditional medicinal plants used in Asia for insomnia..”Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2010
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/persian-silk-tree/
McNelly, E. https://www.theforagerspath.com/Albizia, 2019
Tierra, M. https://planetherbs.com/research-center/specific-herbs-articles/albizia-the-tree-of-happiness/
Tierra, M. https://planetherbs.com/blogs/michaels-blogs/alleviate-grief-with-albizia-the-tree-of-happiness/
Yanfei, H. Et al. The ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of genus Albizia: A review. 2020