Herbal information on Bupleurum Root in Powder Form
Comprehensive Guide to Bupleurum Chinense (Bei Chai Hu): Benefits, Uses, and Research Insights
Bupleurum Chinense, also known as Bei Chai Hu, is a notable herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This detailed guide explores its health benefits, uses, and the scientific evidence supporting its applications, aiming to provide a thorough understanding of this valuable herb.
Introduction to Bupleurum Chinense
Botanical Description
Bupleurum Chinense, or Bei Chai Hu, is a perennial herb native to China. It belongs to the Apiaceae family and is known for its medicinal roots, which are traditionally used in TCM. The herb is characterized by its small, greenish-yellow flowers and umbrella-shaped inflorescences.
Historical and Traditional Uses
In TCM, Bupleurum Chinense has been used for centuries to address a variety of health issues. It is known for its ability to harmonize the liver, alleviate fever, and relieve digestive disturbances. It is a key ingredient in several classical TCM formulas.
Health Benefits of Bupleurum Chinense
1. Liver Health Support
Bupleurum Chinense is renowned for its liver-protective properties. It is commonly used to:
- Detoxify the Liver: Helps in removing toxins and promoting liver function.
- Alleviate Liver Qi Stagnation: Assists in easing the discomfort associated with liver Qi stagnation, such as abdominal bloating and discomfort.
2. Immune System Enhancement
The herb enhances the immune system by:
- Boosting Immune Responses: Stimulates the production of immune cells and improves the body's defense mechanisms against infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: Reduces inflammation, which supports overall immune health.
3. Digestive Health
Bupleurum Chinense aids digestive health by:
- Relieving Digestive Disturbances: Addresses symptoms like nausea, indigestion, and abdominal pain.
- Promoting Healthy Digestion: Enhances digestive function and supports overall gastrointestinal health.
4. Fever and Respiratory Health
Bupleurum Chinense is effective in managing fever and respiratory conditions:
- Reducing Fever: Helps to lower body temperature and alleviate fever-related symptoms.
- Supporting Respiratory Health: Assists in relieving symptoms of respiratory infections and promoting lung health.
Scientific Research and Evidence
1. Clinical Studies
- Liver Protection: Research published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrates Bupleurum Chinense’s efficacy in protecting the liver from damage and supporting its function.
- Immune Modulation: Studies in International Immunopharmacology highlight the herb's role in enhancing immune responses and reducing inflammation.
- Digestive Health: Clinical trials in Phytotherapy Research confirm Bupleurum Chinense’s benefits in treating digestive disorders and supporting gastrointestinal health.
2. Mechanisms of Action
The therapeutic effects of Bupleurum Chinense are attributed to its active compounds:
- Saikosaponins: These compounds are primarily responsible for the herb’s liver-protective and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Flavonoids: Contribute to the herb’s antioxidant properties and support overall health.
Practical Applications
1. Forms and Preparations
Bupleurum Chinense can be utilized in various forms, including:
- Teas and Decoctions: Commonly used for acute symptoms and digestive issues.
- Capsules and Tablets: Convenient for daily health maintenance and liver support.
- Extracts and Tinctures: Concentrated forms used for targeted therapeutic purposes.
Common Name: Bupleurum Radix, Chinese Bupleurum
Botanical Name: Bupleurum chinensis
Pin Yin Name: Chai Hu
Other Ingredients: None
Package Size: 1 Pound (1 lb.)
Form: Powder
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use while using antibiotics. May cause milk upset stomach. May interact with anticoagulants.
Summary of Benefits of Bupleurum Root
Bupleurum Root is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that was used as a tonic for the circulatory system and the liver. It was written about as early as 280AD. This herb continues plenty of naturally ocurring components like calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, and more.
- Supports Natural Cleansing Action of the Liver
- Support Liver Function and Facilitates Digestion
- Support Mental Calmness
- Promotes Normal Digestion
- Clears Exterior Wind Heat
- Relieves Liver Qi Stagnation
Product Properties: Bitter, Acrid, Cool
Channels/Meridians: Gallbladder, Liver 
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Manufacture's Statement: It is important to note that Plum Flower formula extract powders do not contain any excipients. They are spray-dried directly from the condensed herbal decoction, and the resulting powder is the natural yield of the formulation. Individual herbs can vary significantly in the amount of dissolved solids they yield during extraction. Many do not have the needed substance to form a powder, and our single herb extract powders contain a pharmaceutical-grade, non-GMO corn-based dextrin when necessary.
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/232912666_Occurrence_of_Chai_Hu_%28Bupleuri_Radix%29_in_Prescriptions_of_Chinese_Herbal_Medicine_in_Switzerland
http://traditionalherb.org/chinese-herbs/bupleurum-root-chai-hu/
https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=31447
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8625175
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4503743/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bupleurum_chinense
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Bupleurum-Root-Cid2942
