Hé Huān Pí (合欢皮) — Albizia / Mimosa Tree Bark

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Hé Huān Pí (合欢皮), literally “collective happiness bark”, is the bark of Albizia julibrissin, the silk tree or Persian mimosa. It belongs to the category of Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Shen in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most uplifting herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, classically used for low mood, irritability and Shen-disturbance arising from emotional constraint. Its flowers, Hé Huān Huā, are used similarly.

I prescribe Hé Huān Pí as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Soothes the Shen, lifts mood and relieves emotional constraint
2. Invigorates the Blood and reduces swelling in trauma
3. Promotes the healing of Lung abscess and skin lesions

Indications

1. Low mood, irritability, insomnia and brooding from emotional constraint and Liver Qi stagnation affecting the Heart
2. Anxiety with poor sleep, feelings of being unsettled and emotional lability
3. Traumatic injury with pain and swelling
4. Persistent Lung abscess and skin sores with stasis

4. Modern research

Albizia bark contains saponins (julibrosides), tannins and triterpenes. Studies report anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative and antioxidant effects in animal models. Several modern Chinese trials investigate Hé Huān Pí formulas for menopausal mood symptoms and mild to moderate depression.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in pregnancy. No serious adverse effects reported at standard doses; very well tolerated. Patients on prescribed antidepressants or anxiolytics should consult both their doctor and a qualified herbalist before adding herbs.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Hé Huān Pí as part of tailored herbal formulas for low-grade anxiety with sleep disturbance, perimenopausal mood swings, post-bereavement low mood within a TCM framework and emotional constraint with chest tightness. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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