Which herb calms the Spirit and helps with irritability and depression?

• A. He Huan Pi
• B. Suan Zao Ren
• C. Bai Zi Ren
• D. Yuan Zhi

Answer: (A)

Calming the Spirit to address irritability and depressive feelings is best achieved by He Huan Pi. Albizia bark is traditionally used to soothe the Shen and relieve emotional constraint, which directly helps with irritability and mood depression. It acts by easing Liver qi stagnation that often underlies emotional upset, promoting a calmer mental state.

The other herbs do have calming effects, but their primary actions differ. Suan Zao Ren nourishes Heart Yin and Blood to support sleep and calm the Spirit in deficiency patterns; Bai Zi Ren also nourishes Yin to quiet the mind; Yuan Zhi calms the Spirit as well but is more about opening the orifices and resolving Phlegm-Heat or agitation in different contexts. In this scenario, the direct match for calming the Spirit with irritability and depression is He Huan Pi.