Major Bupleurum – Da Chai Hu Wan Teapills – 200 Pills – Plum Flower
Da Chai Hu Wan (大柴胡丸), sold as Major Bupleurum Teapills, is a traditional eight-ingredient Chinese herbal formula used within Traditional Chinese Medicine for a specific pattern involving constrained Shao Yang with internal excess.
Also known as Da Chai Hu Tang, the formula combines Chai Hu and Huang Qin with Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang, Zhi Shi, Bai Shao, Da Zao, and Da Huang. This combination gives Major Bupleurum a distinctly different traditional strategy from simpler Chai Hu or Bupleurum formulas.
The formula traditionally addresses both the Shao Yang level and internal accumulation. Understanding those two concepts helps explain why Da Chai Hu Wan contains both harmonizing herbs and ingredients that promote downward movement according to TCM theory.
What Is Da Chai Hu Wan?
Da Chai Hu Wan (大柴胡丸) is the prepared pill form of a traditional Chinese herbal formula also known as Da Chai Hu Tang or Major Bupleurum.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is associated with a pattern in which a Shao Yang disharmony exists together with internal excess or accumulation.
This makes Da Chai Hu Wan different from formulas designed simply to tonify Qi, nourish Blood, clear Heat, or support digestion.
Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense) is a defining herb in the formula, but Major Bupleurum is not a single-herb Bupleurum product. Its eight ingredients work together according to a specific traditional formula strategy.
Product Details at a Glance
Traditional Name: Da Chai Hu Wan (大柴胡丸)
Also Known As: Da Chai Hu Tang; Major Bupleurum
Brand: Plum Flower
Form: Prepared Chinese herbal teapills
Bottle Size: 200 teapills
Formula Size: 8 traditional ingredients
Label Directions: 8 teapills, 3 times daily
Approximate Supply: Approximately 8 days when taking 24 teapills per day
Origin: China
Preparation Required: None — swallow the prepared teapills with water
Manufacturer Contraindication: Contraindicated during pregnancy. Use caution when nursing.
What Herbs Are in Da Chai Hu Wan?
The current Plum Flower Major Bupleurum formula contains eight traditional ingredients. The following list reflects the current manufacturer's formula, including the specified preparation methods.
| Pin Yin | Botanical Ingredient | Traditional Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sheng Jiang | Zingiber officinale rhizome (fresh) | Traditionally warms and harmonizes the Middle and helps regulate the Stomach. |
| Chai Hu | Bupleurum chinense root | A defining herb of the formula, traditionally used to harmonize the Shao Yang and support the movement of constrained Qi. |
| Ban Xia (Fa) | Pinellia ternata rhizome (prepared) | Traditionally transforms Phlegm and redirects rebellious Stomach Qi downward. |
| Huang Qin | Scutellaria baicalensis root | Traditionally clears Heat and works with Chai Hu in harmonizing Shao Yang patterns. |
| Zhi Shi | Citrus aurantium fruit (immature) | Traditionally moves Qi, reduces accumulation, and directs Qi downward. |
| Bai Shao (Jiu) | Paeonia lactiflora root (wine-fried) | Traditionally nourishes Blood, preserves Yin, and helps moderate abdominal tension. |
| Da Zao | Ziziphus jujuba fruit | Traditionally supports and harmonizes the Middle and moderates the actions of the other ingredients. |
| Da Huang | Rheum palmatum root & rhizome | Traditionally drains internal accumulation and directs excess downward. |
Other Ingredients
Maltose, hydrated magnesium silicate, activated carbon, China wax.
Why These Eight Herbs?
The structure of Da Chai Hu Wan helps explain why it is traditionally used for a more complex pattern than a simple Chai Hu formula.
Chai Hu and Huang Qin form the central Shao Yang-harmonizing pair. Chai Hu traditionally helps release constraint and harmonize the Shao Yang, while Huang Qin addresses the Heat aspect of the traditional pattern.
Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang focus on the Middle and traditionally help redirect rebellious Stomach Qi downward.
Zhi Shi and Da Huang give Major Bupleurum an important downward-moving component. They distinguish this formula from gentler harmonizing formulas by addressing internal accumulation according to TCM theory.
Bai Shao contributes a nourishing and moderating component, while Da Zao helps support and harmonize the overall formula.
The result is a formula traditionally designed to harmonize while simultaneously clearing and moving internal excess downward.
What Does “Major Bupleurum” Mean?
Bupleurum refers to Chai Hu, Bupleurum chinense, one of the principal herbs in the formula.
The word “Major” helps distinguish Da Chai Hu Wan from other traditional Bupleurum formulas, particularly formulas with different strengths and traditional pattern applications.
This distinction matters because formulas containing Chai Hu are not interchangeable simply because they share the same herb.
Da Chai Hu Wan contains eight ingredients and combines Shao Yang harmonization with a significant internal excess-clearing and downward-moving strategy.
What Is a Shao Yang Pattern?
Shao Yang is a traditional diagnostic concept used in Chinese medicine. It is sometimes described as a transitional level between the exterior and interior.
A Shao Yang pattern may traditionally include a combination of signs rather than one isolated complaint. Practitioners evaluate the complete presentation to determine whether a Shao Yang formula is appropriate.
In Da Chai Hu Wan, Chai Hu and Huang Qin are particularly important to the traditional Shao Yang strategy.
Shao Yang terminology describes a Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern and is not a Western medical diagnosis.
What Does Internal Excess Mean in TCM?
Internal excess describes a traditional pattern in which there is considered to be accumulation, obstruction, Heat, or another excess factor within the body's interior.
Da Chai Hu Wan differs from a purely harmonizing formula because it contains Zhi Shi and Da Huang, two ingredients with strong traditional downward-moving actions.
That combination helps explain why this formula should not simply be thought of as “Bupleurum for everyone.” It is traditionally selected according to a particular pattern.
Why Is Chai Hu Important in Major Bupleurum?
Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense) is one of the defining herbs of Da Chai Hu Wan and gives the formula its English name, Major Bupleurum.
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chai Hu is especially associated with harmonizing Shao Yang and supporting the movement of constrained Qi.
In this formula, however, Chai Hu works as part of an eight-ingredient combination. Huang Qin, Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang, Zhi Shi, Bai Shao, Da Zao, and Da Huang substantially influence the overall traditional action.
Why Teapills & How Do I Use Them?
Major Bupleurum is supplied as small prepared teapills that are swallowed with water according to the product directions.
Manufacturer's standard dosage: 8 teapills, 3 times per day.
At 24 teapills per day, a 200-count bottle provides approximately 8 days of use.
Follow the directions on the product you receive unless your qualified healthcare practitioner has provided different instructions.
Is Da Chai Hu Wan the Right Traditional Formula?
Da Chai Hu Wan is traditionally associated with a specific combination of Shao Yang disharmony and internal excess. It is not simply a general-purpose Bupleurum formula.
This is particularly important because Chinese herbal medicine contains several formulas featuring Chai Hu, and each may correspond to a different traditional pattern.
If you are uncertain which traditional formula corresponds to your presentation, consultation with a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner can help distinguish among the possibilities.
Da Chai Hu Wan vs. Chai Hu as a Single Herb
| Product Type | What It Contains | Traditional Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Da Chai Hu Wan | Eight-ingredient traditional formula | Traditionally harmonizes Shao Yang while addressing internal excess and supporting downward movement. |
| Chai Hu | Bupleurum chinense root | A single Chinese herb traditionally associated with harmonizing Shao Yang and moving constrained Qi. |
Research on Da Chai Hu Wan & Its Herbs
Da Chai Hu formulas and several individual ingredients have been investigated in modern scientific research. These PubMed searches provide convenient access to published literature.
- Da Chai Hu Tang Research – PubMed
- Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense) Research – PubMed
- Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) Research – PubMed
- Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata) Research – PubMed
- Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) Research – PubMed
- Da Huang (Rheum palmatum) Research – PubMed
- Zhi Shi (Citrus aurantium) Research – PubMed
Research note: Scientific studies may examine traditional decoctions, modified formulas, individual ingredients, extracts, isolated compounds, animal models, or doses different from this Plum Flower teapill product. Research is provided for educational purposes and does not establish that this product diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents disease.
Safety & Important Considerations
Pregnancy: The manufacturer states that Da Chai Hu Wan is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Nursing: The manufacturer advises caution when nursing.
Da Huang: This formula contains Rheum palmatum (Da Huang), an herb with significant traditional downward-draining and laxative activity. This is one reason Major Bupleurum should not be treated as a general-purpose daily Bupleurum supplement.
Prescription Medications: If you take prescription medications or have a chronic medical condition, discuss herbal supplements with your physician, pharmacist, or qualified practitioner before use.
Persistent Symptoms: Severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, fever, jaundice, black or bloody stool, or other significant gastrointestinal symptoms require appropriate medical evaluation.
Important: Shao Yang, Qi, Heat, internal excess, rebellious Qi, and related terms on this page describe Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts and are not Western medical diagnoses.
California Proposition 65 Warning
Why Buy Plum Flower Da Chai Hu Wan?
Major Bupleurum provides the complete eight-ingredient Da Chai Hu Wan formula, including Chai Hu, Huang Qin, Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang, Zhi Shi, Bai Shao, Da Zao, and Da Huang.
For customers already familiar with this traditional formula, the prepared teapill form provides a straightforward way to use the complete combination according to the manufacturer's label directions.
Each bottle contains 200 teapills, with manufacturer directions of 8 teapills, 3 times daily.
Frequently Asked Questions About Da Chai Hu Wan
What is Da Chai Hu Wan?
Da Chai Hu Wan (大柴胡丸), also known as Da Chai Hu Tang or Major Bupleurum, is an eight-ingredient traditional Chinese herbal formula associated with a pattern involving Shao Yang disharmony together with internal excess.
Is Da Chai Hu Wan the same as Da Chai Hu Tang?
Da Chai Hu Tang is an alternate traditional name for the formula. Da Chai Hu Wan refers to the prepared pill form.
What herbs are in Major Bupleurum?
The current Plum Flower formula contains Sheng Jiang, Chai Hu, prepared Ban Xia, Huang Qin, Zhi Shi, wine-fried Bai Shao, Da Zao, and Da Huang.
Is Major Bupleurum just Bupleurum?
No. Chai Hu, or Bupleurum chinense, is one ingredient in the formula. Da Chai Hu Wan contains eight ingredients with a broader traditional formula strategy.
Does Da Chai Hu Wan contain Da Huang?
Yes. The current manufacturer formula contains Da Huang, identified as Rheum palmatum root and rhizome.
Does Da Chai Hu Wan contain Pinellia?
Yes. The manufacturer lists prepared Pinellia ternata rhizome, known as Ban Xia (Fa).
Can Da Chai Hu Wan be taken during pregnancy?
No. The manufacturer states that this product is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Can Da Chai Hu Wan be taken while nursing?
The manufacturer specifically advises caution when nursing. Discuss use with an appropriate healthcare professional.
How do I take Major Bupleurum Teapills?
The manufacturer's standard dosage is 8 teapills, 3 times per day. Follow the product label or instructions provided by your qualified healthcare practitioner.
How long does a 200-count bottle last?
At the manufacturer's standard dosage of 24 teapills per day, a 200-count bottle provides approximately 8 days of use.
What other ingredients are in Major Bupleurum Teapills?
The manufacturer lists maltose, hydrated magnesium silicate, activated carbon, and China wax.
Major Bupleurum — More Than a Single Chai Hu Formula
The key to understanding Da Chai Hu Wan is recognizing its two-part traditional strategy.
Chai Hu and Huang Qin form the core of its Shao Yang-harmonizing approach, while Zhi Shi and Da Huang contribute the important downward-moving strategy for internal excess. Ban Xia, Sheng Jiang, Bai Shao, and Da Zao complete and balance the formula.
That combination distinguishes Major Bupleurum from single-herb Chai Hu and from other Chinese formulas that happen to contain Bupleurum.
Important Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Traditional uses and patterns described on this page refer to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and are provided for educational purposes.
