Botanical Overview
Albizia lebbeck, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia, also found in Australia and parts of Africa. Common names include Lebbeck, Sirisa, Woman’s Tongue Tree, and Indian Albizia. Traditional medicine utilizes various parts of the plant including bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and pods.
Energetics
The plant exhibits a cooling temperature with neutral moisture characteristics. Its primary tastes are bitter, astringent, and sweet. Directionally, its action is descending, with a relaxing tonicity and primarily affecting the qi aspect in energetic theory.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiallergic
- Antimicrobial
- Antispasmodic
- Astringent
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Allergic rhinitis
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Cough
- Skin inflammation
- Wounds
- Eczema
- Diarrhea
Syndromes
- Respiratory allergies
- Inflammatory conditions
- Infectious diseases
TCM
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Sore throat
- Skin infections
Syndromes
- Lung heat
- Wind-heat invasion
- Toxic heat in the skin
Ayurveda
- Allergic conditions
- Respiratory disorders
- Skin diseases
- Diarrhea
- Toxic fever
Syndromes
- Kapha-pitta imbalance
- Vata disorders in respiratory tract
Unani
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Allergic manifestations
- Diarrhea
- Skin eruptions
Syndromes
- Warm diseases
- Humoral imbalance involving phlegm and bile
Constituents & Mechanisms
Albizia lebbeck contains saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and phenolic compounds that contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiallergic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of bark 5-10 g, taken 2-3 times daily
- Powdered bark 1-3 g, taken 1-2 times daily
- Infusion of flowers and leaves
- External application as poultice or wash for wounds and skin conditions
Safety & Contraindications
The plant is generally considered safe when used appropriately within traditional contexts. Caution is advised during pregnancy due to insufficient clinical evidence. No major toxicities or significant drug interactions have been reported.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers are documented for Albizia lebbeck in reputable esoteric herbal traditions.
Selected References
- Pharmacological and Therapeutic Potential of Albizia lebbeck – Kumar et al., Phytotherapy Research, 2014
- Albizia lebbeck Benth. Monograph – Indian Herbal Pharmacopoeia, 2002
- Albizia lebbeck – PFAF Database
- Medicinal Plants of South Asia – Singh & Gupta, CRC Press, 2013