Chinese Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin)

Chinese Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to China, Southeast Asia, and India. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Chinese Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Silk Tree
Scientific Name	Albizia julibrissin
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Albizia
Species	julibrissin
Native Range	China, Southeast Asia, India
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Albizia julibrissin
Common Name: Chinese Silk Tree
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Silk Tree, Chinese Silk Tree, K纸树
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Albizia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 5 to 10 meters.
Leaves: Ovate to elliptic leaves with upper surface glabrous and pale green, lower surface pubescent and lighter green, bearing two distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Racemose inflorescences with actinomorphic flowers having pink to reddish sepals and 10 stamens arranged in two whorls with filaments fused to the petals
Stems: Woody, erect growth habit with opposite branching, smooth, glabrous surface, and thornless, cylindrical stems with prominent, longitudinal lenticels.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: Traditionally described as a moderate sedative, in calming-focused applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a gentle tonic, for long-term use contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a mild anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Coumarin: Plant-derived compounds often associated with fragrance-related chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: A preparation method involving prolonged boiling of roots, bark, or dense plant material.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.