Bupleurum root
Bupleurum chinense · 柴胡
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Chai hu, Thoroughwax root, Hare's ear root, Chinese thoroughwax
Pinyin: Chái hú
Rare liver injury reportedA root used in Chinese medicine to ease fevers, chills and a tight, stuck feeling in the chest and sides.
Did you know? Japan calls this herb saiko, and the Japanese formula Sho-saiko-to (Lesser Bupleurum Decoction) takes its name from it.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Fever. Used in tradition for fevers and chills. Lab and animal studies show fever-lowering effects, but human trials are lacking.Traditional proof
- Low mood. Long used for moods that feel stuck or irritable. Animal studies show calming effects. Human trials are few.Traditional proof
- Liver. Used in tradition for liver complaints. Some animal data exist, but human proof is lacking for the root alone.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used bupleurum for alternating chills and fever, chest and rib discomfort, and moods that feel stuck. It is a core herb in Xiao Chai Hu Tang and Xiao Yao San.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Anti-inflammatory, Hepatic, Analgesic. Energy: cooling.
- Chinese medicine
- 柴胡 Release the exterior. Nature: cool. Flavour: bitter, pungent. Enters the Liver and Gallbladder channels.
How people take it
Traditional doses are about 3 to 10 grams of dried root in a decoction. Japanese Kampo formulas use granules. Dosing should come from a trained practitioner.
Decoction, tincture and capsule.
Where to get it
Grows wild and is farmed in northern China, Mongolia, Korea and Japan. Sold as dried root in herb shops, and as capsules, tinctures and formula granules.
Be careful
Human safety data are limited. Rare liver injury has been reported with some Asian herbal products that contain bupleurum. In Japan, a formula containing bupleurum was linked to lung inflammation when given with interferon, so avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; liver disease.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer) combines bupleurum with dong quai, white peony and atractylodes to ease stress-related moods.
- Works well together
Also in Xiao Yao San, where white peony helps soften tension and pain.
- Works well together
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) pairs them for alternating chills and fever with a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Works well together
Also in Xiao Chai Hu Tang, where ginseng supports energy while bupleurum moves stuck energy.
Found in these formulas
Free & Easy Wanderer (TCM)
The honest take
Bupleurum is a core herb in many classic Chinese and Japanese formulas. Most evidence is from lab and animal studies, and human trials are few or small. Its uses for fever, mood and liver health are traditional, not proven.