Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Uses for the Mimosa Tree
Uses for the Mimosa Tree. The mimosa tree (Albizzia julibrissin), also known as the silk tree, is highly valued by the Chinese. According to Michael Tierra, founder of the American Herbalists Guild, the flowers and bark of the mimosa can relieve depression and anxiety. In Asia, the tree is commonly called "the happiness herb." It is claimed to have...
The mimosa tree (Albizzia julibrissin), also known as the silk tree, is highly valued by the Chinese. According to Michael Tierra, founder of the American Herbalists Guild, the flowers and bark of the mimosa can relieve depression and anxiety. In Asia, the tree is commonly called "the happiness herb." It is claimed to have a variety of medical applications.
Mimosa Facts
The mimosa tree was introduced into the United States from China in 1745, mainly because of it's clusters of pretty pink flowers, according to Florida's Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. The tree is deciduous and grows to a height of 20 to 40 feet. A hardy tree, the mimosa has become invasive in recent years, mainly in the southern U.S. Some horticulturists are urging homeowners to avoid its use.
Depression
The bark of the mimosa tree is sold in health food and herbal remedy stores as an anti-depressant. Herbalist Michael Tierra states that the Chinese frequently give patients mimosa bark, sold in capsules or shredded form, in amounts of 9 to 15 grams daily. The bark is also used to calm nerves and ease anxiety. Patients considering a switch from a prescribed anti-depressant to mimosa should consult their doctors beforehand.
Other Conditions
Mimosa bark is said to heal other health conditions besides depression. Earth Clinic Folk Remedies, www.earthclinic.com, posts comments from mimosa users who claim the bark healed their irritability, insomnia, bone spurs, haircare, memory problems, liver problems, and arthritis, just to name a few.
Mimosa Products
Mimosa tea can be found in any health food or herbal store. Because of its supposed sedative qualities, many teas with mimosa are labeled as sleep remedies. Mimosa hair treatments are available in cream form. Mimosa bark is also available in capsule form. Some soaps include mimosa as an ingredient for skincare. Purists can buy the actual bark to create their own products.
Use Caution
David Kroll, Ph.D., a pharmacologist and consultant to the Duke Center for Integrative Medicine (DCIM), www.emax.health.com, warns consumers to exercise caution when using herbal remedies. Take extra caution if you plan to combine prescription medication with an herbal remedy such as mimosa. Just because a medicine is herbal, states Kroll, doesn't mean the treatment is necessarily safe.
