Materia Medica: Bupleurum
Société Apothecary
Bupleurum: Materia Medica A pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine for harmonizing the body and resolving internal tension, Bupleurum is a powerful mover of Liver Qi. Known for its ability to relieve stress-related stagnation, smooth mood fluctuations, and support detoxification, this wiry, wind-like plant teaches flow, flexibility, and emotional equilibrium. “Bupleurum lifts the heaviness of the spirit and restores the river of life to its course.” MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Bupleurum chinense Common Name(s): Bupleurum, Chai Hu TCM Name: Chai Hu (柴胡) Ayurvedic Name: Not traditionally used Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family) Physical Description of the Plant: A slender, upright perennial herb with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and small yellow-green flowers in umbrella-like clusters. Root is thin, fibrous, and used medicinally. Habitat: Native to East Asia (China, Korea, Japan); prefers dry, sunny meadows and hillsides. Now cultivated widely for medicinal use. Harvest and Collection: Roots are harvested in the fall of the second or third year. Dried and sliced for decoction or powdered form. Parts of the Plant Used: Root (fresh or dried) Qualities: Bitter, pungent Energetics: Cooling, light, ascending; harmonizing and dispersing Chemical Constituents: Saikosaponins (a-d) Flavonoids Polysaccharides Volatile oils Sterols Triterpenes Actions: Hepatoprotective Anti-inflammatory Adaptogenic Immune-regulating Antiviral Antipyretic (reduces fever) Liver Qi regulator Mild analgesic Antioxidant Indications: Liver stagnation with emotional imbalance, PMS, or irritability Viral infections (cold, flu, hepatitis) Stress-related digestive issues or headaches Chronic inflammatory conditions Detoxification and liver support Fever or chills alternating with heat (Shaoyang pattern in TCM) Diagnostic Picture: Bupleurum is ideal for those with a “stuck” constitution—emotional repression, tension headaches, stress-related hormonal issues, and digestive discomfort. In TCM, it is key for Shaoyang disorders (alternating chills and fever, flank pain, mood swings, bitter taste in mouth). Contraindications/Cautions: Not for use during acute infections with high fever unless in specific formulas Avoid in those with Liver Yang rising, hypertension, or yin deficiency heat Caution during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless supervised by a practitioner Overuse may irritate the digestive tract in sensitive individuals Drug Interactions: May interact with immunosuppressants Use caution with anticoagulants or hepatically-metabolized medications Dosage: Decoction: 3–9 grams dried root per day, traditionally boiled for 30–45 minutes Tincture: 2–4 mL up to 3x daily (consult a practitioner) Powdered Extract: 500–1000 mg 2x daily (standardized to saikosaponin content when possible) Combinations: With Scutellaria baicalensis and Pinellia in TCM’s “Xiao Chai Hu Tang” for Shaoyang disorders With Milk Thistle or Dandelion root for liver detox formulas With Peony root and Licorice for hormonal balance and mood regulation With