The Benefits and Effects of Silk Tree Flowers: Relieving Depression and Calming the Mind as a Tea

Silk tree flowers are the blossoms that the deciduous legume silk tree (Albizia julibrissin) produces in summer; its filaments are slender and downy, shaped like little fans, and in folk tradition the silk tree is also called the downy-flower tree or the horsetail tree. Its small leaflets spread open by day and close in pairs at nightfall, which is why it is also known as the night-closing tree, and the dried flowers are a traditional Chinese medicinal herb.

From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, silk tree flowers are sweet and neutral in nature and flavor, and their main effects center on relieving depression and calming the mind; they are often used for feelings of vexation, low mood, insomnia and frequent dreaming. Ancient texts contain records of using them to soothe the liver and regulate qi, and in daily practice they are often combined with herbs that calm the mind and soothe the spirit to help improve sleep.

As for consumption, the most common method is to steep the dried flowers in water as a tea, which has a delicate fragrance, and in some places a small amount is added when cooking porridge or making soup. It should be noted that although silk tree flowers are mild in medicinal nature, drinking them in large amounts over a long period is not recommended, and pregnant women, people with special constitutions, or those taking medication should best consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

It is also important to distinguish that, besides the flowers, the bark of the silk tree is also used as medicine, namely silk tree bark; the two have similar effects, both leaning toward calming the mind and relieving depression, but with slightly different areas of emphasis. If you want to use silk tree flowers to help regulate your mood, you should also combine them with a regular daily routine and a relaxed state of mind for the best results.