Albizia Bark (合歡皮 / Haphwanpi / Silk Tree Bark) [ H-118-A-E ]

Albizia Bark (合歡皮 / Haphwanpi / Silk Tree Bark) - Bark of the 'Happiness Tree' Bringing Peace of Mind

Stressed, sleepless, or feeling down? Albizia Bark (Haphwanpi), the "Happiness Tree" bark, brings peace of mind. Learn its benefits, uses & precautions!

Albizia Tree leaves, flowers

Classification information

1. Code Number: H-118-A-E
2. Author: Herbsdict
3. Date: 2025.06.04.
4. Label/Tag:
5. 
   

Basic Information

1. Common Name: Albizia Bark, Haphwanpi, Silk Tree Bark, Mimosa Tree Bark
   
   
2. Scientific Name: Albizia julibrissin Durazz.
   
   
3. Family: Fabaceae (or Leguminosae)
   
   
4. Part Used: Stem bark or Root bark
   
   
5. Key Constituents: Saponins (Albiziasaponin A, B, C, etc.), Tannins, Flavonoids (Quercetin, Isoquercitrin, etc.), Alkaloids
   
   
6. Key Benefits: Calms the spirit and relieves depression (Anxin Jieyu), Promotes blood circulation and reduces swelling (Huoxue Xiaozhong), Sedative, Anti-anxiety, Improves sleep, Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic
   
   
7. Properties (性味): Sweet (甘), Neutral (平). (Non-toxic 無毒)
   
   
8. Meridian Tropism (歸經): Heart (心), Liver (肝), Spleen (脾) meridians.

Albizia Tree leaves, flowers, branches

1. The Story of Albizia Bark, the 'Happiness-Inducing Tree': History and Origin

Haphwanpi refers to the bark of the Albizia tree, which blooms with beautiful pink, thread-like flowers. The Albizia tree is also called 'Yahapsu (夜合樹)' or 'Yujeongsu (有情樹)' because its leaves face each other and close up at night as if sleeping. It also has the beautiful nickname 'Happiness Tree' because it is believed to improve marital harmony and bring happiness to the family. Due to this symbolism, it has been widely planted in gardens and roadsides for ornamental purposes since ancient times.

In Traditional Korean Medicine, Haphwanpi, as its name suggests (合歡皮: unite, joy, bark), has been regarded as an important medicinal herb that calms the mind, relieves depression, and brings joy. It was primarily used in the treatment of conditions related to mental stability, and additionally, its ability to promote blood circulation and reduce swelling made it useful in treating external injuries such as bruises and fractures.

Its use dates back to ancient China, with records found in the medical text "Shennong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經)." Korea's "Donguibogam (東醫寶鑑)" also describes its efficacy, stating, "Its nature is neutral, its taste is sweet, and it is non-toxic. It stabilizes the heart qi (心氣), whets the appetite, helps forget sorrows, and gladdens the mind."

Recently, scientific research into these traditional benefits of Haphwanpi has been conducted, and its effects on stress relief, anxiety reduction, and sleep improvement are gaining attention, increasing interest in it as a natural material that can contribute to modern people's mental health management.

Albizia Tree leaves, flowers, branches

2. How Does Albizia Bark Bring Peace to Our Minds? (Key Benefits and Mechanisms of Action)

The main benefits of Haphwanpi are primarily manifested through the complex actions of various bioactive substances it contains, especially Saponins and Flavonoids.

2.1. Calming the Spirit and Relieving Depression (Anxin Jieyu): Key to Mental Health

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Neurotransmitter Modulation: Albizia bark extract is being studied for its positive effects on the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and GABA. Serotonin, known as the 'happiness hormone,' plays a crucial role in mood regulation, while GABA helps stabilize the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
    
    
  • Stress Hormone Regulation: Some research suggests it may help regulate levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which increase during chronic stress situations.
    
    
• Key Benefits:
  • Alleviation of Anxiety and Agitation: It can help relieve symptoms of feeling anxious and agitated easily, or experiencing heart palpitations without a specific reason.
    
    
  • Improvement of Depressive Moods: It may have a positive impact on improving depressive symptoms such as feeling down, lacking motivation, and experiencing sadness or despair. Traditionally, its 'Jieyu (解鬱)' effect, meaning 'untying what is bound,' is deeply related to this relief of depression.
    
    
  • Improvement of Insomnia: For those who cannot sleep due to an anxious mind and racing thoughts, Haphwanpi can help induce natural sleep by calming the nerves and promoting relaxation. It is known to be particularly effective for insomnia caused by stress or depression.
    
    
  • Mental Stabilization and Improved Concentration: It can help regain mental stability by calming the mind and contribute to improving scattered concentration.
    
    

2.2. Promoting Blood Circulation and Reducing Swelling (Huoxue Xiaozhong)

• Mechanism of Action:
  • Haphwanpi promotes smooth blood circulation and helps to resolve blood stasis (瘀血, stagnant blood). It can also help reduce swelling by decreasing tissue inflammation and improving fluid circulation.
    
    
• Key Benefits:
  • Alleviation of Pain from Bruises, Fractures, and Blood Stasis: Used to improve symptoms of swelling and pain due to clotted blood from external injuries.
    
    
  • Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain: Its blood circulation-improving and anti-inflammatory actions may help alleviate some muscle or joint pain.
    
    
  • Reduction of Edema: It can contribute to reducing body swelling by aiding fluid circulation.
    
    

2.3. Other Potential Benefits

• Antioxidant Effect: Flavonoids and other components in Haphwanpi may help prevent cell damage and slow down aging through their antioxidant actions.
  
  
• Anti-inflammatory Effect: Some studies suggest that Albizia bark extract exhibits anti-inflammatory effects.
  
  
• Potential for Memory and Cognitive Function Improvement: Positive results related to memory improvement have been reported in animal studies, but more research is needed to confirm clear effects in humans.

Albizia Tree leaf

3. How to Utilize and Consume Albizia Bark? (Usage and Dosage Guide)

Haphwanpi is mainly consumed as a tea or decoction, and sometimes infused in alcohol.

3.1. Brewing and Drinking Albizia Bark Tea (Most Common Method)

• Prepare Ingredients: 10-15g (about a handful) of dried Haphwanpi, 1-1.5 liters of water.
  
  
• Wash: Lightly rinse the Haphwanpi under running water to remove dust.
  
  
• Boil: Put the prepared Haphwanpi and water in a pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
  
  
• Steep: Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 20-30 minutes. It's ready when the water turns a light brown color and becomes aromatic.
  
  
• Drink: It's best to strain the brewed tea and drink it warm. About 2-3 cups a day, especially in the evening or before bed, can help with mental calmness and sleep.
  
  
• Honey Tip:
  • With Jujubes: Adding a few jujubes while boiling can soften the taste of Haphwanpi and add sweetness, making it easier to drink. Jujubes also have a calming effect, offering synergistic benefits.
    
    
  • With Sour Jujube Seeds (Sanjoin): If you want to enhance the sleep-improving effect, brewing it with Sanjoin, which is good for inducing sleep, is also a good method. (Expert consultation recommended).

3.2. Making Albizia Bark Infused Liquor (Damgeumju)

• Ingredients: 100g of dried Haphwanpi, 1.8 liters of Soju for infusion (over 30% alcohol), a little sugar (optional).
  
  
• How to make:
  1. Wash the Haphwanpi thoroughly and dry it completely.
  2. Put the Haphwanpi and Soju in a sterilized glass jar and seal it. (Add a little sugar to taste if desired).
  3. Age in a cool, dark place for at least 3 months. (Aging for over 6 months will yield a deeper taste and aroma).
     
     
• How to take: It's good to drink 1-2 small cups (Soju glass) of the aged Haphwanpi liquor after dinner in the evening or before bed. Avoid over-drinking.

3.3. Other Uses

• Haphwanpi Powder: Finely ground Haphwanpi can be mixed with water or honey for consumption, or mixed with other medicinal herbs to make pills.
  
  
• Topical Use: Traditionally, it was also used by crushing it and applying it to bruises or boils, or by washing the affected area with its decoction. (Modern hygienic product use is recommended).

Dried Albizia bark

4. Albizia Bark: Know This Before You Take It! (Side Effects and Precautions)

Although Haphwanpi is known as a relatively safe medicinal herb, there are points to be cautious about depending on individual constitution or health condition.

• Prohibited for Pregnant Women: There are opinions that Haphwanpi can cause uterine contractions, so it should absolutely not be used during pregnancy. There may be a risk of miscarriage.
  
  
• Caution Against Overdose: Even good medicinal herbs are not beneficial if taken in excess. Symptoms like dizziness or nausea may occur, so it's important to stick to the proper dosage.
  
  
• Check for Allergic Reactions: Although rare, individuals allergic to certain plants may react to Haphwanpi. When taking for the first time, start with a small amount and check for any adverse reactions.
  
  
• Not Suitable for Early-Stage Colds Due to Wind-Cold (風寒): Haphwanpi is mainly used for symptoms related to mental calmness. If early cold symptoms due to wind-cold, such as chills and fever, are predominant, other treatments may take precedence.
  
  
• Potential Drug Interactions:
  • Drugs Acting on the Central Nervous System (Sedatives, Sleeping Pills, Antidepressants, etc.): Haphwanpi can potentiate the effects of these drugs, so if taken concurrently, you must consult a doctor or pharmacist. It may cause excessive sedation or drowsiness.
  • If you are regularly taking other medications, it is safe to consult a specialist before consumption.
    
    
• Consult a Specialist for Long-Term Use: If you intend to take it for a long period, it is advisable to consult a specialist, such as a traditional Korean medicine doctor, to check if it suits your constitution and condition.

Albizia bark Tea (Source : https://feralforaging.com/)

5. Current Trends in Scientific Research on Albizia Bark

Modern scientific studies supporting the traditional efficacy of Haphwanpi are continuously being conducted.

• Research on Anti-anxiety and Antidepressant Effects: Numerous animal model studies have reported that Albizia bark extract reduces anxiety behavior and improves indicators related to depressive symptoms. This is presumed to occur mainly through interactions with the serotonin system and GABA receptors.
  
  
• Research on Sleep Improvement Effects: Studies suggest that Albizia bark extract can help extend sleep duration and improve sleep quality. Its potential for improving insomnia caused by anxiety or stress is particularly indicated.
  
  
• Research on Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies suggest that components in Haphwanpi have potential neuroprotective effects, protecting brain cells from oxidative stress.
  
  
• Research on Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects: Studies have shown that Albizia bark extract and its main components exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, which can be the basis for its various health benefits.

These studies suggest that Haphwanpi is not just a traditional medicinal herb but a useful natural resource that can contribute to the mental health and well-being of modern people. However, as most research has been conducted at the animal or cellular level, more clinical research is needed to establish clear effects and safety in humans.

Albizia bark extract (Powder)

( Source : https://www.indiamart.com/ )

6. Conclusion: Gift Peace to Your Mind with 'Happiness Tree' Albizia Bark!

In today's busy and stressful modern society, finding peace of mind is not easy. If you are having a hard time due to anxiety, depression, or insomnia, Haphwanpi, the bark of the 'Happiness Tree' Albizia, can bring warm comfort and stability.

Haphwanpi is a wise gift from nature that has soothed the minds of our ancestors for thousands of years. Why not gift your tired mind a rest with a cup of fragrant Haphwanpi tea or a sip of carefully infused Haphwanpi liquor, and reclaim a peaceful night's sleep?

Of course, Haphwanpi is not a panacea that solves all mental problems. Healthy lifestyle habits, a positive mindset, and, if necessary, seeking professional help are important. If you wisely incorporate Haphwanpi into this, it will surely be a strong supporter in creating a more peaceful and happy daily life.

References :

• Traditional Korean medicine texts such as Shennong Ben Cao Jing (神農本草經) and Donguibogam (東醫寶鑑)
• Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Korea) - Information on Herbal Medicines (or relevant pharmacopoeia)
• Kim, J. H., Kim, D. H., & Lee, K. T. (2007). The effects of Albizzia julibrissin extract on the sleep-wakefulness profiles in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 110(3), 420-425. (Example paper)
• Kang, S., Min, S. H., Kim, C. E., Han, M. J., & Kim, D. H. (2003). Anxiolytic effects of an herbal medicine, the extract of Albizzia julibrissin, in the elevated plus-maze and its mode of action in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 89(2-3), 291-295. (Example paper)
• Academic databases such as PubMed (Research papers related to Albizia julibrissin, anxiolytic, antidepressant, sedative, insomnia)
• Encyclopedia of Korean Culture - Jagwinamu (Albizia Tree)
• Credible health information websites and specialized books on medicinal herbs

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