Albizzia
bark comes from the albizzia tree, which is also known as the mimosa. The tree
can reach a height of 30 feet, with whitish-pink flowers. Like most other trees,
albizzia bark is grey-brown in color, with a rough exterior and a whitish or
yellowish interior.
The bark is collected from the tree during the summer and autumn, then cut into
small pieces for medicinal use. According to the principles of traditional
Chinese medicine, albizzia bark has sweet and neutral properties, and is
associated with the Heart and Liver meridians. It is most commonly used as a
tonic to help tranquilize the mind, reduce fatigue and ease tension. Albizzia
bark also treats skin conditions such as carbuncles and acne, reduces pain
swelling, and stimulates blood circulation. It can be used either externally or
internally.
The typical dose of albizzia bark is between 10 and 15 grams, ground down into a
powder and served as a decoction. Albizzia extracts can also be used, but at
much lower doses. Albizzia bark can also be mixed with other herbs and used
externally as a poultice. High-quality, sliced albizzia bark is widely available
at most Asian markets, specialty stores and herbal shops. Powdered albizzia
bark, along with albizzia extracts, pills and capsules, can be found at many
locations.
While there is no evidence that albizzia bark causes drowsiness or can impair
one's judgment, most practitioners recommend that patients taking albizzia bark
refrain from driving or operating heavy equipment within an hour of ingestion.
The American Herbal Products Association has given albizzia bark a class 2B
rating, meaning that it should not be used by women who are pregnant. In
addition, it should be given to children only with extreme caution. As always,
make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before using albizzia
bark or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
Albizzia julibrissin bark is one of traditional sedative Chinese herbs that are
good at soothing the nerves, getting rid of sorrow and delighting people. As
such it is better known as He Huan Pi in mandarin, which is translated literally
as �meet and enjoy bark�. As a matter of fact, albizia tree is best known for
being a beautiful garden landscaping plants. Its flowers look like pretty pompon
and carry with a kind of delicate fragrance; its leaves are peculiar because
they shut at night and blossom in the daytime; its shade works like an umbrella
for viewing. Beautiful as it is, what really matters to an herbalist or patient
is its healing properties, isn�t it?
Medicinally it means the dried bark of Albizia julibrissin Durazz., a tree
belonging to the family legume. And its other common names include mimosa tree
bark, cortex albiziae, bark of silktree albizzia, albizzia julibrissin cortex,
bark of albizia julibrissin, silk tree bark, albizzia bark, silktree albizzia
bark, and so on. In China mimosa trees are distributed in most parts of China
and medicinally it is commonly produced in provinces along the Yangtze River.
Generally summer and autumn are the two best seasons for stripping off barks
from the trees. After that it needs to be dried in the sun and cut into
sections, and used raw.
This is a deciduous tree that can reaches up to 10 meters. Trunks are gray and
black. Branchlets are glabrous but angular. Even pinnately compound leaf is
alternate, 9 to 23cm in length, and with 3 to 6cm total petiole, 5 to 15 pairs
of pinnae, and 11 to 30 pairs of sessile leaflets. Capitulum grows from branches
and with pubescent peduncles, pale red flowers, about 2mm tubular calyx,
funnel-shaped corolla, numerous stamens, and superior ovary. Pods are flat, 8 to
15cm long, 1 to 2.5cm wide, brown, and pubescent when young and falling off
later. Seeds are oval, flat, and brown. Flowering period is from June to August
and fruiting period is from August to October. Its habitats include slopes and
roadsides. In addition, it is often cultivated in gardens.
Main chemical constituents in bark are saponins, tannins, flavonoids, a variety
of lignans and their glycosides, and glucosides of pyripropanol derivatives.
Medicinally both albizia bark and albizzia flower (He Huan Hua) are widely used
for the treatments of insomnia and neurasthenia. Now, commercially there are
many related ready-made products available, such as albizzia bark tea, extract,
herbal supplement, tincture, and so on. From the point of view of TCM
(Traditional Chinese medicine), this efficacy was initially found by the
ancients who had observed a strange phenomenon about this tree � its leaves open
during the day and close in the evening. Based on this fact, ancient herbalists
inferred this herb should have the healing power on sleeping disorders. This may
sound weird to you but it is the unique way the ancient used to understand the
world. So, what does its pharmacology say about this herb?
Modern pharmacological actions on albizia herb
Its decoction and alcohol extract can prolong sleeping time in
pentobarbital-treated mice;
They can also enhance its rhythmic contractions on the pregnant uterus and
terminate early pregnancy or pregnancy;
Its water exact can enhance immune function while its alcohol extract can
fight the tumors.
Chinese Materia Medica has clearly stated that it is sweet in flavor and neutral
in properties and it goes to two meridians of heart and liver. Common functions
include calming the nerves, resolving depression, and invigorating the
circulation of blood to heal carbuncle. Fundamental albizia uses and indications
are malaise, depression, insomnia, internal and external boils and carbuncles,
and traumatic injury.
Albizzia julibrissin bark was rated with 2B by AHPA. That�s to say, pregnant
women and children should stay away from this herb. And it is inadvisable to
drive car or operate heavy equipment under the influence of this herb as it may
lead to drowsiness and impaired judgment though such claim is kind of
groundless. From the perspective of TCM it shouldn�t be used in cases of
spontaneous perspiration due to wind-heat, sleeplessness caused by external
infection. In addition, use it with care in the cases of ulcers and gastritis.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), an estimated 44.3
million Americans, ages 18 and older, suffer from a mental disorder. Depression,
included in this number, is reaching epidemic proportions. While the media
continues to report on the potentially life-threatening side effects of
pharmaceutical antidepressants, more and more individuals are turning to herbal
solutions. A little known tree in the West, Albizia julibrissin, is beginning to
share the spotlight with other herbal antidepressants as an effective remedy.
Mental illness is classified as any mental condition that disrupts daily
personal, social, or occupational function. Anxiety and mood disorders are the
most common forms of mental illness in adults. An astounding 25 percent of all
American adults have a mental illness while it is estimated that 50 percent will
develop a mental illness at some point during their lifetime. The World Health
Organization has found that mental illness contributes to more disability in
developed countries than any other class of illness, including heart disease and
cancer.
Conventional medicine continues to treat depression with prescription
antidepressants which has produced some startling results. Recently, two newborn
deaths in British Columbia, Canada were linked with maternal use of
antidepressants. An Australian study found that older men taking antidepressants
had a mortality rate 1.6 times higher than depressed men who did not take them.
Cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infection doubled in the group of men who
used antidepressants.
Albizia julibrissin (Mimosa) is a tropical ornamental tree native to Asia. The
leaves of the Mimosa close during the night and when it rains. Due to this
unique characteristic, it has been referred to as the "Sleeping Tree" in Japan.
In China, it is known as the "Tree of Happiness" because of its calming herbal
properties. The flowers do not have petals but instead are clusters of silky
thread-like stamen measuring 2-3 cm in length. Bees, butterflies, and
hummingbirds are all attracted to the flowers of this fragrant tree.
The bark and flowers of the Albizia tree have been used for centuries in China
to foster mental wellness, curb depression, and to promote sound sleep. Albizia
is one of the most cherished Chinese botanicals for alleviating anxiety and
stress.
Roy Upton, vice president of the American Herbalist Guild, says, "In ancient
traditional Chinese literature, use of Albizia was linked with 'the happiest of
results: promoting joy, assuaging sorrow, brightening the eye, and giving the
desires of the heart.' In more modern times, Albizia belongs to a class of
botanicals that 'nourish the heart and calm the spirit."'
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) there is a strong link between the mind
and the well-being of the heart. In fact, TCM practitioners view these organs to
be intimately connected. A healthy mind supports a healthy heart. TCM also
believes that Albizia helps to relieve irritability due to suppressed emotions.
Michael Tierra, L.Ac., offers further insight into the benefits of Albizia:
"Both the bark and the flowers of Albizia are used as a calming sedative in
Oriental traditional medicine. Categorized in the Chinese Materia Medica as a
calming spirit herb, the bark is thought to 'anchor' the spirit, while the
flowers lighten it. The flowers have also been used for the treatment of
insomnia, amnesia, sore throat, and confusion in Oriental traditional medicine
as well as depression, melancholy, and anxiety."
As a trusted Chinese herb for centuries, Albizia julibrissin brightens your day
gently and safely.
The flowers and bark of the mimosa tree (Albizia julibrissin) are among the most
valued of Chinese botanicals for relieving anxiety, stress and depression.
Commonly found growing throughout temperate zones in the Western United States
albizia is native to China, Persia, Korea and Japan. It is traditionally known
as "huan hua" (flowers) and "he huan pi" (bark) and popularly as the "happiness
herb," and "collective happiness bark" by the Chinese. Recently some Chinese
herbalists and acupuncturists have even called it 'herbal Prozac. Its use was
first documented in the Shen Nong Ben Cao (Divine Husbandman's Classic of the
Materia Medica) during the 2nd century for its mood supportive and calming
properties as well as a tonic. Chinese people traditionally recommend its use
for anyone who is suffering from grief as a result of a severe loss.
Both the bark and the flowers of albizia are used as a calming sedative in
Oriental traditional medicine. Categorized in the Chinese Materia Medica as a
calming spirit herb, the bark is thought to 'anchor' the spirit, while the
flowers lighten it. The flowers have also been used for the treatment of
insomnia, amnesia, sore throat, and contusion in Oriental traditional medicine
(Kang, et al) as well as depression, melancholy and anxiety.
Considering the proliferation of antidepressant drugs throughout the Western
world with their increasingly recognized adverse effects, it's wonderful that
nature has, in abundance, a safer and better alternative probably growing in
close proximity to one's doorstep. In my opinion, albizia offers a more profound
effect in treating depression and anxiety than the two most commonly promoted
herbs, St Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) and Kava (Piper methisticum) and thus
should be more widely used.
There are broadly three classes of antidepressant medications, Tricyclic
Antidepressants (TCA's), Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAOI's) and the most
popular, Serotonin Selective uptake inhibitors (SSRI's).
TCA's enhance concentrations of the neurotransmitter chemicals norepinephrine
(stimulating) and serotonin (the happiness hormone) in the brain. These are
known as monoamines and they must be inactivated and reuptaked by the secreting
cells. TRI's block this reuptake, allowing the monoamines to remain active in
the body much longer.
MAOI's not only enhance the same neurotransmitters, norepinephrine and
serotonin, but dopamine as well (dopamine is the reward, or satisfaction
hormone). This is the most dangerous and least prescribed class of
antidepressants, because it may also inhibit the reuptake of tyramine, which can
cause dangerously acute hypertension.
SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor's) include the popular drugs
Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, Celexa, and Zoloft and work by blocking serotonin
reabsorption. Specifically, they prolong the effects of serotonin, with an
accompanying sense of prolonged well-being.
All three of these drug catalories list a plethora of possible and, in many
cases, likely side effects. These include abnormal weight gain, headache,
excessive sweating, upset stomach, diarrhea, sleep disturbances, drowsiness,
tremor, weight loss more often than weight gain, and decreased libido. In
addition some may predispose one to feelings of apathy, cognitive impairment,
sudden irrational bursts of violent rage, and suicide. Expectant mothers
generally should avoid their use during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy because
of adverse reactions on the infant after birth.
Albizia is thought to enhance all aspects of neurotransmitter secretion and
regulation. However, because of its blood-moving properties, it is
contraindicated for use during pregnancy.
Increasingly, antidepressants are being prescribed to young children and
adolescents. This has been in the news lately because there is evidence that,
while externally these drugs may indeed block one's expression of negative
thoughts and feelings, for many the emotions become 'stuffed,' resulting in
increased thoughts of suicide or sudden outbursts of uncontrollable rage.
Recently and ongoing we have seen the not infrequent reporting in the popular
press of the negative effects from increased prescribing of antidepressants to
young children and adolescents. This is done mostly for behavioral control, but
it may cause irrational outbursts of violent rage and suicidal thoughts. Thus,
in some cases the very symptoms these antidepressants are intended to treat can
be exacerbated. Antidepressants do not help us work out our problems; they
simply alter our response to them. For some this can become like a pressure
cooker ready to explode.
With hundred's of years of traditional use, albizia is a terrific antidepressant
and anti-anxiety herb with no known side effects. While the traditional Chinese
dose is 9 to 15 grams daily, a positive effect can be achieved with as little as
3 grams daily, Therefore, albizia flowers and bark offer an extremely effective
and vastly inexpensive alternative to antidepressant pharmaceuticals.
The active constituents of albizia are saponins and tannins, while specifically,
it contains albitocin, b-sitosterol, amyrin, 3,4,7-trihydroxyflavone,
spinasterylglucoside, machaerinic acid, lactone, methyl ester, acaci acid, and
lactone. Several compounds of flavonol glycosides, which have demonstrated
sedative activity, including quercetrin and isoquercetrin are also a part of its
constituents. Finally, research has revealed significant antioxidant activity
from the bark.
Evidently, few studies of albizia have been conducted. In one animal study
examining the sedative effects of a methanol fresh-flower extract (400g in 3 L),
two isolated compounds from albizzia, quercetrin and isoquercetrin (flavonol
glycosides), were both found to increase pentobarbital-induced sleeping time in
a dose-dependent manner in mice. This indicates a possible herb-drug interaction
that patients taking sedatives should be made aware of. This substantiates the
sedative claims for albizia, as well. Yet, through my experience, and that of my
patients, none have ever reported feelings of drowsiness from the recommended or
even relatively higher doses of albizia alcoholic extract or powder.
Interestingly, a methanolic extract of the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin was
also found to have significant potential in scavenging destructive free
radicals, making albizzia a useful anti-aging antioxidant as well.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, albizzia (bark and flower) is classified as
sweet with a neutral energy and enters the heart and liver organ meridians.
According to the Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, Albizia is used
primarily for insomnia, poor memory, irritability and angry feelings due to
constrained emotions '� especially when accompanied by epigastric pain and
feelings of pressure in the chest. Secondarily, the bark is regarded as one of
the most important herbs for the treatment of external trauma and injuries. It
promotes blood circulation, reduces pain and swelling, promotes the regeneration
of flesh and facilitates the healing of bone fractures.
Those who are presently taking a prescribed antidepressant, and wish to withdraw
and possibly substitute albizia flower extract, should consult with their
doctor. I have not seen adverse interactions taking both the drug and the herb
simultaneously, but I always advise my patients to begin by taking both and then
to gradually lower the dose of the drug during the withdrawal period.
Common adulterants found in the market for albizia flowers are certain species
of magnolia flowers, which reportedly have similar properties. A similar yellow
flowered species (A. lubek) known as 'shirish' is used as a rasayana or tonic in
Ayurvedic medicine for allergic conditions. Indian researchers have been able to
substantiate that the antiallergenic properties are due to its ability to
prevent mast cell degeneration.
Albizzia
bark comes from the albizzia tree, which is also known as the mimosa. The tree
can reach a height of 30 feet, with whitish-pink flowers. Like most other trees,
albizzia bark is grey-brown in color, with a rough exterior and a whitish or
yellowish interior.
Chinese Materia Medica has clearly stated that it is sweet in flavor and neutral
in properties and it goes to two meridians of heart and liver. Common functions
include calming the nerves, resolving depression, and invigorating the
circulation of blood to heal carbuncle. Fundamental albizia uses and indications
are malaise, depression, insomnia, internal and external boils and carbuncles,
and traumatic injury.
Considering the proliferation of antidepressant drugs throughout the Western
world with their increasingly recognized adverse effects, it's wonderful that
nature has, in abundance, a safer and better alternative probably growing in
close proximity to one's doorstep. In my opinion, albizia offers a more profound
effect in treating depression and anxiety than the two most commonly promoted
herbs, St Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) and Kava (Piper methisticum) and thus
should be more widely used.
Interestingly, a methanolic extract of the stem bark of Albizia julibrissin was
also found to have significant potential in scavenging destructive free
radicals, making albizzia a useful anti-aging antioxidant as well.