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He Huan Pi (合歡皮), the bark of the silk tree (Albizia), calms the spirit and relieves emotional constraint, lifting low mood, and invigorates the blood to reduce swelling and aid trauma; the ‘happiness bark’.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Albizia julibrissin (Cortex Albiziae)
Common English Name
Silk tree bark
Taste
Sweet
Temperature
Neutral
Channels Entered
Heart, Liver
Actions & Functions
- Calms the spirit and relieves constraint and irritability
- Lifts the mood (depression, anxiety)
- Invigorates the blood and reduces swelling (trauma, abscess)
Indications
Emotional constraint with low mood, anxiety, irritability and insomnia; and traumatic injury and sores.
Dosage
6-12 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Ye Jiao Teng for insomnia and emotional restlessness.
Cautions & Contraindications
Generally well tolerated; use with care in pregnancy.
