Silk Tree (Albizia lebbeck)

Silk Tree (Albizia lebbeck) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent, and South Asia. Traditionally, its leaves, bark, and roots 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 ayurvedic medicine, african traditional medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

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

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Silk Tree
Scientific Name	Albizia lebbeck
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Albizia
Species	lebbeck
Native Range	Southeast Asia, Indian Subcontinent, South Asia
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Bark, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, African Traditional Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Albizia lebbeck
Common Name: Silk Tree
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Velvetwood, Velvet Tree, Rain Tree
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Albizia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 10 to 20 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with a glossy upper surface and a matte lower surface, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are dense, spherical clusters with white flowers having five petals, each with a prominent yellow claw, and actinomorphic symmetry.
Stems: Cylindrical, woody, branched, with opposite phyllotaxis, smooth surface, and persistent stipules.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
African Traditional Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: In herbal literature, noted as a calming sedative, for relaxation-oriented uses.
Tonic: In herbal texts, considered a warming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a moderate anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Diuretic: Historically regarded as a cooling diuretic, in urinary system discussions.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Saponin: Secondary plant compounds composed of sugar-linked aglycones.
Coumarin: A class of aromatic organic compounds found in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

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