The medicinal benefits of the silk tree flower are mainly seen in relieving depression and calming the mind.

The silk tree flower is the opened flower or dried flower bud of the silk tree, a plant in the Fabaceae family, and it is mostly harvested in summer. The silk tree is a common deciduous tree; the pink filaments on its head-shaped inflorescences are slender like velvet and gather into the shape of a small fan, giving it strong ornamental value, so it is both a medicinal plant and a commonly used greening tree species. The unopened flower buds, once dried, are commonly known as silk tree rice, and like the opened inflorescences they can be used as medicine.

In traditional Chinese medicine, the silk tree flower is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, and it has long been considered to relieve depression and calm the mind; among the people it is often used for low mood, restless sleep, and similar conditions. It should be noted that this understanding comes mostly from the accumulation of traditional experience, and actual effects vary from person to person; for physical discomfort, proper medical diagnosis and treatment should still be the main approach.

In daily use, the most common way to use dried silk tree flowers is to steep them in water as a tea, and they can also be decocted; some people like to brew them together with red dates, lily bulbs, and the like for a gentler taste. The amount used should not be increased on one's own, and pregnant women, children, and people taking medication should best consult a physician or pharmacist before use.

When selecting and storing them, buds or inflorescences with a natural color and no mold are best, and they can simply be kept in a cool, dry place. The silk tree flower has a light fragrance, and after long storage it easily absorbs moisture and takes on other odors, so it is advisable to buy small amounts and drink them promptly, which better guarantees both flavor and quality.