Bupleurum refers to the dried roots of Bupleurum chinense DC. and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd., both of which are perennial herbs in the Apiaceae family. The former is known as “Northern Bupleurum” and is mainly produced in Liaoning, Hebei, Henan, and Gansu provinces, while the latter is called “Southern Bupleurum” and is primarily found in Hubei, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou provinces. It is harvested in spring and autumn, then sun-dried and cut into sections. It can be used raw, stir-fried with wine or vinegar.
Properties & Meridians
Taste: Bitter, pungent
Nature: Slightly cold
Meridians: Liver and Gallbladder
Functions
- Dispels heat and relieves fever
- Soothes the liver and alleviates depression
- Raises Yang Qi
- Clears the gallbladder and treats malaria
Clinical Applications
- Used for Shaoyang syndrome and external fever.
- Treats liver Qi stagnation, chest and hypochondriac pain, and irregular menstruation.
- Used for Qi deficiency and prolapse, such as chronic diarrhea, rectal prolapse, and prolapse of the stomach or uterus.
- Treats malaria.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: 3–10g
- Used raw for harmonizing and reducing fever.
- Stir-fried with vinegar to soothe the liver and relieve depression.
- Stir-fried with honey to raise Yang Qi.
- Stir-fried with wine to invigorate blood circulation and regulate menstruation.
- Stir-fried with turtle blood for treating tidal fever due to Yin deficiency.
Precautions
Contraindicated in cases of hyperactive liver Yang, internal wind due to liver dysfunction, Yin deficiency with excessive fire, or reversed Qi flow. Use with caution or avoid in such conditions.