Pharmaceutical Latin: Bupleuri, Radix
Botanical name: Bupleurum chinese
Family: Umbelliferae
Properties: Acrid, Cold
Channels entered: Liver, Gall Bladder, Pericardium, Triple Burner
Part Used and Form:Sliced roots

Primary Functions: Harmonizing. Relieves liver tension, digestive disturbances and discharges surface heat. Relieve spasms, muscle tension, lumps, bleeding due to heat and menstrual irregularity. Combines with other herbs to clear stagnation virtually anywhere in the body. Bupleurum oil can relieve surface heat. It is detoxifying and anti-microbial..

Qualities: Bupleurum as a primary herb in dozens of classical formulations: harmonizes and regulates body energy. Relieves blockages in the body, discharging the toxins safely out of the system. Combines with other formulas to assure that the newly abundant energy will flow freely through the body. A powerful, cold, detoxifying herb

Examples:
Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Combination
Bupleurum and Peony Combination: to relieve the surface, dredge and soothe the Liver, purge heat, clear fever, and detoxify the body
Bupleurum and Tang Kuei Combination
Bupleurum and Cyperus Combination
Bupleurum and Rehmannia Combination
Minor Bupleurum Combination

Contraindications:
Use under to care of an herbalist. May cause rapid detoxification, with symptoms such as headache and anger. In cases of severe toxicity and improperly balanced Bupleurum administration, skin sores can arise.

What is bupleurum?

Bupleurum is an upright-growing plant native to China, Japan and central Europe, but now widely dispersed throughout the U.S. It has a variety of names, including thoroughwax and hare's ear (the latter name due to the shape of the plant's leaves, which resemble a hare's ear). It contains yellowish-green petals arranged in groups of five, and small yellow flowers. The root is used medicinally.

The active ingredients in bupleurum root include saponins and plant sterols, which have been shown to lower fevers and reduce inflammation in animal studies. It is used for a variety of conditions, including inflammatory conditions, angina, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It also strengthens the stomach and intestines and promotes blood circulation to the liver.

In traditional Chinese medicine, bupleurum is not usually used alone, but rather as part of various herbal remedies. In TCM terminology, it reduces fever and resolves the shao yang level; spreads liver qi (good for vertigo, emotional instability and menstrual problems), and raises yang qi in spleen/stomach deficiency.

If you have any questions about the safety of any herb used in Chinese medicine, consult with Dr. April L. Schulte-Barclay, DAOM, LAc