Albizia, particularly Albizia julibrissin (commonly known as "silk tree" or "mimosa tree"), has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for calming the spirit and treating conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression. The bark ("He Huan Pi") and flowers ("He Huan Hua") are the main parts used. In TCM texts, Albizia is described as nourishing the heart, relieving constraint, and promoting joy, which aligns with its application for mood disorders including anxiety.

Scientific evidence supporting the use of Albizia for anxiety disorders is limited. Some preclinical studies suggest that extracts of Albizia may exert anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects in animal models, possibly via modulation of neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin and GABA. For example, a few animal studies have demonstrated reduced anxiety-like behaviors following administration of Albizia extracts. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the mechanisms remain speculative.

In summary, the use of Albizia to support or treat anxiety is primarily justified by traditional use, with only limited preliminary scientific evidence. While it is widely used in herbal practice for this purpose, its efficacy and safety for anxiety disorders in humans are not well established by modern clinical research.