Xiao Chai Hu Tang — Minor Bupleurum Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Xiao Chai Hu Tang — Minor Bupleurum Decoction — is one of the most important and clinically versatile formulas in the Chinese herbal medicine tradition. It originates from Zhang Zhongjing’s Shang Han Lun as the primary formula for the Shao Yang stage of disease — the half-interior, half-exterior stage where a pathogen has penetrated beyond the body’s surface but has not yet fully entered the interior. In modern research, it has documented hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune-modulating and antidepressant properties, making it one of the most researched Chinese herbal formulas globally.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for the Shao Yang pattern and for Liver-Gallbladder disharmony with Spleen-Stomach weakness, characterised by: alternating fever and chills, fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium, loss of appetite, nausea, bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, dizziness, a thin white or yellow coating on the tongue, and a wiry pulse.

Key herbs

1. Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense root) — the principal herb; releases the Shao Yang, spreads Liver Qi and vents pathogens from the half-interior-half-exterior position
2. Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis root) — clears the interior Heat component of the Shao Yang; anti-inflammatory; works synergistically with Chai Hu
3. Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata rhizome) — harmonises the Stomach, descends Rebellious Qi and stops nausea
4. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — tonifies Qi and supports the Upright Qi in its struggle with the pathogen
5. Sheng Jiang (fresh Zingiber officinale) — warms the Middle and assists Ban Xia in stopping nausea
6. Da Zao (Ziziphus jujuba fruit) — nourishes Blood and Spleen Qi; harmonises the formula
7. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried Glycyrrhiza root) — harmonises the formula

Conditions treated

1. Acute febrile illness in the Shao Yang stage — alternating fever and chills, hypochondriac fullness, nausea
2. Liver and gallbladder conditions including fatty liver and chronic hepatitis — extensive research confirms hepatoprotective effects
3. Chronic respiratory infections and post-viral fatigue where pathogen lingers in the Shao Yang
4. Depression and mood disorders from Liver Qi constraint — confirmed antidepressant properties in pharmacological research
5. Long COVID with lingering pathogen pattern and Liver-Gallbladder involvement

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.