9Bupleurum Root

Bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) – The Most Used Liver Qi-Regulating Herb Bupleurum Root (Chai-hu), also known as "Bupleurum" or "Thoraxwort," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried root of Bupleurum falcatum, Bupleurum chinense or related species, one of the most fundamental regulators from the parsley family that has been part of traditional Chinese herbal systems for over 2000 years. This cool, bitter herb is particularly known for its ability to effectively resolve normal Liver Qi stagnation, ease normal stress and tension-related symptoms, improve normal digestion, restore normal emotional balance, support normal hormone balance and promote normal immunity – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal stress symptoms, normal tension-related headache, normal lower abdominal pain, normal mental tension, normal menstrual problems and normal inflammation-related symptoms.Traditional Understanding in TCM Systems – "The Master of Liver Qi Regulation"Within traditional Chinese medicine, bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is described as "the master of Liver Qi regulation" – one of the most used herbs for resolving Qi stagnation. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Liver and Gallbladder meridians. According to this traditional description, bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) specializes in normal "Liver Qi movement," helps "relieve tension," "restore normal emotional balance" and "maintain normal inflammation balance" – crucial TCM concepts for normal health and normal stress defense.Bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is seen in TCM as "one of the most versatile regulators" – one of the primary herbs for stress-related conditions. It is traditionally used to promote normal Qi movement, support normal emotional balance, ease normal tension headache, ease normal digestion problems and regulate normal hormone balance.Special Property: Versatile Qi RegulatorBupleurum Root (Chai-hu) distinguishes itself by its very versatile "Qi-regulating" capacity without causing energy deficiency or dryness symptoms. This means it effectively addresses normal stress patterns without depleting normal body fluids.Botanical Composition and ResearchBupleurum Root (Chai-hu) contains over 150 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Saikosaponins (triterpene saponins – characteristic components, 2–4% dry weight, of which saikosaponins a, d, c, b2 most active)Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)PolysaccharidesTriterpenoidsPhenylethanoid glycosides (acteoside/verbascoside)Modern scientific research shows that bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) components can offer very diverse benefits:Normal Liver Qi movement: Studies show that saikosaponins can optimize normal liver-related stress conditions and promote normal Qi circulation.Normal stress and cortisol response: Research suggests that certain components can normalize normal cortisol levels and improve normal stress adaptation – adaptogenic action.Anti-inflammatory action: Saikosaponins and flavonoids can help maintain normal inflammation balance by reducing normal inflammatory markers (NF-κB, MAPK pathways).Normal hepatic function and protection: Studies show that certain components can support normal liver function and protect normal liver health.Normal immune modulation: Saikosaponins can regulate normal immune response – immunomodulation rather than increased or decreased immunity.Normal digestion support: Traditionally used for normal digestive symptoms, research shows that certain components can support normal spleen function.Normal hormone regulation: Research suggests that certain components can support normal hormone balance, especially for normal menstrual regularity.Normal antidepressant effects: Studies show that certain saikosaponins can support normal mood, especially for normal stress-related melancholia.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is classically used in situations described as:Normal Liver Qi stagnation with tension and restlessnessNormal tension-related headache or normal sleep disturbancesNormal menstrual problems or normal menstruation-related painNormal premenstrual tension (PMS) or normal hormone imbalanceNormal depression related to stress or normal melancholiaNormal lower abdominal pain (flank pain) or normal rib-side painNormal poor digestion with tension character or normal abdominal bloatingNormal dampness-related swelling with Liver stagnation characterNormal inflammation-related fever or normal chronic mild feverNormal female sex-linked hormone imbalanceThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Cool Liver Qi-Movement-Promoting CharacterBupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is traditionally seen as a "cool," "Liver Qi-movement-promoting" herb – which effectively addresses normal Liver stagnation patterns without depleting normal Yang Qi.Classical Formula: Xiao Chai Hu TangA very famous classical application is in the formula "Xiao Chai Hu Tang" (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), traditionally used for over 2000 years for normal fever, normal half-heat half-cold fever, normal tension and normal digestive weakness. This very famous formula contains bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) as a core ingredient (approximately 30% of formula), combined with Huang Qin, Ren Shen, Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao and Zhi Gan Cao.Other Classical Formulas:Chai Hu Shu Gan San: specifically for normal Liver Qi stagnation with tension and emotional symptomsJia Wei Xiao Yao San: for normal Liver Qi stagnation with Spleen deficiency and female hormone symptoms (very famous!)Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (can contain Chai-hu): for normal Qi-lifting functionVERY IMPORTANT: bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) Lifting/Uplifting EffectCaution: bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) has a "lifting/uplifting" effect (raising normal Qi). This means:CAUTION with hypertension patients (can affect normal blood pressure)CAUTION with bleeding-prone patients (can raise normal Yang Qi "too much")Preparation and DosageBupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is traditionally:In prepared formulas (most common)As separate decoction (brewing for 15–20 minutes)Traditional dosage: 6–12g per formulaCan also be used as tea drinkCAUTION: NOT FOR HYPERTENSION OR YANG EXCESSBupleurum Root (Chai-hu) must NOT be used when:Hypertension is present without professional supervisionYang excess with heat symptoms (could worsen)Persistent bleeding or bleeding tendencyPregnancy without professional supervisionSeasonality and Daily UseBupleurum Root (Chai-hu) can be used both seasonally (especially spring) and long-term for normal health. It is one of the most versatilely used regulators in TCM.Well-being and Daily UseBupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is highly valued by modern users as part of long-term health practices for normal stress support, normal emotional balance, normal hormone regulation and normal inflammation support. The herb fits optimally in professionally guided formulas.Many users see bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) as part of daily health practices – as a Liver Qi-regulating, tension-easing force for normal health, ALWAYS under the guidance of a qualified TCM doctor.Very Safe Profile (With Caution for Hypertension)Bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is known as one of the safest regulators in TCM. It has minimal toxicity and is used for all adult age groups. HOWEVER, caution is recommended for hypertension patients due to the "lifting/uplifting" effect.CAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement for wellness and professional TCM use. TCM terms such as Liver Qi Regulation, Tension Relief, Normal Emotional Balance are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent stress symptoms, normal emotional imbalance, normal hormone problems or normal inflammation problems, you should always consult a qualified TCM doctor or medical expert BEFORE using this herb long-term.Bupleurum Root (Chai-hu) is one of the most versatilely used TCM regulators.