Tranquilizing Herbs
He Huan Pi (Silktree Albizzia Bark)
Name
He Huan Pi (Cortex Albizziae), from Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong's Herbal)
Source and quality
The dry bark of Albizia julibrissin Durazz. of the family Pulse. It is produced in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces, and is collected in summer and autumn.
It has a slight fragrance, slight astringency and a light taste. When tasted, it first produces a slight stinging sensation on the tongue, followed by an uncomfortable sensation in the throat.
The best grade is thin and even, free from cork, and yellowish white on the inner surface. It is dried in the sun, sliced and used unprocessed.
Nature and action
Sweet and neutral. It enters the heart, liver and lung meridians.
It induces tranquilization and relieves depression, activates blood and relieves swelling.
Indications
Anger, depression, restlessness and insomnia
It relieves stagnation of liver qi to gladden the heart and induce tranquilization. It is indicated for restlessness, insomnia, amnesia and dream-disturbed sleep caused by depression, anger, worry or gloom. It is used on its own or combined with herbs that calm the liver and gladden the heart, such as Bai Zi Ren, Shou Wu Teng and Yu Jin.
Traumatic fracture, stasis, swelling and pain
It activates blood and resolves stasis, relieves swelling and alleviates pain, and enters the heart, liver and blood systems. For traumatic injury and fracture with swelling and pain, it is often combined with herbs that activate blood and treat trauma, and herbs that reunite fractured tendons and bones, such as Tao Ren, Ru Xiang and Gu Sui Bu.
Lung abscess, sores and abscesses
It activates blood and relieves swelling, so it is indicated for abscesses both internal and external.
- For lung abscess with chest pain, coughing and vomiting of pus and blood, it is often combined with herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity and herbs that cure abscesses and expel pus, such as Yu Xing Cao, Tao Ren and Dong Gua Ren.
- For sores and abscesses, it is combined with herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity, such as Pu Gong Ying, Zi Hua Di Ding and Lian Qiao.
Dosage and administration
Decoct 6~15 g.
Cautions
It should be used with caution in pregnant women.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.
Did this article help you?
Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.
Keep readingRelated entries
He Huan Pi: Chinese Herb Guide
He Huan Pi: induce tranquilization and relieve depression, activate blood and relieve swelling.
Black Lotus Seed: Chinese Herb Guide
Black Lotus Seed: clear damp-heat, clear away the heart-fire, stimulate the appetite, induce tranquilization, secure essence and check diarrhea.
He Huan Hua: Chinese Herb Guide
He Huan Hua (Flos Albizziae) Sweet, neutral; heart and liver channels. Actions Induce tranquilization and relieve depression
Ye Jiao Teng (Tuber Fleeceflower Stem)
For insomnia lasting all night due to in deficiency with yang hyperactivity, it is often combined with yin-blood-nourishing and yang-subduing and tra.
Something this article did not cover?
Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.
Ask a question →