Chái Hú · Bupleurum Root
Chái Hú (柴胡, Bupleurum Root) is a herb of Cool nature and Bitter, Pungent flavor, in the “Qi-regulating herbs” category. Tradition uses it to release Exterior, Resolve Shao Yang, Soothe Liver and Regulate Qi.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Chái Hú
- Characters
- 柴胡
- Botanical name
- Bupleurum chinense DC.
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Part used
- Root
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Bitter, Pungent
- Meridians
- Gallbladder, Liver, Pericardium, Triple Burner
- Category
- Qi-regulating herbs
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Release Exterior
- Resolve Shao Yang
- Soothe Liver and Regulate Qi
- Raise Yang Qi
Traditional uses
- Alternating fever and chills (Shao Yang patterns)
- Liver qi stagnation with emotional depression
- Hypochondriac pain and flank distension
- Irregular menstruation from liver qi stagnation
- Prolapse of internal organs
Studied effects and current applications
- Harmonizes lesser yang stage disorders (alternating fever/chills)
- Spreads liver qi and relieves depression
- Raises sunken qi (prolapse, diarrhea)
- Clears liver heat and gallbladder damp-heat
- Relieves chest and flank distension from qi stagnation
Applications under investigation
- Depression and anxiety from liver qi stagnation
- Chronic hepatitis and liver disease
- PMS and menopausal syndrome
- Malaria and viral infections
- Autoimmune conditions
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Yin deficiency with excessive heat
- Liver fire (excess type)
Relative contraindications
- Pregnancy (first trimester)
- True deficiency ascending yang
- Pregnancy
- Avoid in first trimester. Use cautiously later only in formulas.
- Breastfeeding
- Use cautiously. May decrease milk supply.
- Children
- Used in pediatric formulas for alternating fever/chills at reduced doses.
- Older adults
- Use cautiously in elderly with yin deficiency; combine with yin-nourishing herbs.
Possible adverse effects
- Liver enzyme elevation (long-term high doses)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
When to stop
- Signs of liver toxicity
- Worsening of yin deficiency symptoms
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatotoxic drugs | Acetaminophen, Statins, Isoniazid | Severe | Risk of additive hepatotoxicity with long-term use Monitor liver enzymes. Avoid long-term high-dose combination. |
| Immunosuppressants | Cyclosporine, Tacrolimus | Moderate | May affect immune function and drug metabolism Use with medical supervision |
| Antidepressants (SSRI) | Fluoxetine, Sertraline | Mild | Possible additive effect on serotonin pathways Monitor mood |
With other herbs
- bai_shao Classic harmonizing combination for liver Qi stagnation
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 3-9 grams daily (up to 15g for malaria)
- Powder
- 1-3 grams daily
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 4-6 weeks
- Maximum
- Avoid continuous long-term use (can dry yin)
- Children
- Safe in children at reduced doses.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 3-9g in 3 cups water 30 min. Take before meals.
Harmonizing, liver qi stagnation
Mix 1-3g powder with warm water twice daily.
Liver regulation, convenience
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Saikosaponins (triterpenes) and essential oils
Oleanolic triterpene saponin · Anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antidepressant, antiviral
NF-κB and IL-6 inhibition, HPA axis modulation, viral replication inhibition · 0.3-0.8% in root
Triterpene saponins · Immunomodulator, hepatoprotective, antitumor
TH1/TH2 modulation, apoptosis induction, hepatocyte protection · 0.2-0.6% total
Terpenes and esters · Antipyretic, carminative
Reduction of prostaglandin synthesis, diaphoretic effect · 10-40% of the essential oil
Flavonols · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, capillaroprotective
Radical scavenging, aldose reductase inhibition, vascular permeability reduction · 0.05-0.2%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Spring (March-April) or autumn (September-October)
Roots harvested in spring before sprouting or in autumn after the plant has dried. The roots from northern China (北柴胡, Bupleurum chinense) are the highest quality.
Root cleaned, softened briefly to facilitate cutting, sliced and dried in the sun. Triterpenoid saponins (saikosaponins) are the main active ingredients.
Slices sprinkled with rice vinegar (20 ml per 100 g) and fried over medium heat. Vinegar directs the action towards the Liver.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
