Chái Hú (柴胡) — Bupleurum Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Chái Hú (柴胡) — Bupleurum chinense / scorzonerifolium — is known in English as Bupleurum root / Thorowax root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that release the Exterior in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Chái Hú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Chái Hú |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 柴胡 |
| Latin name | Bupleurum chinense / scorzonerifolium |
| English name | Bupleurum root / Thorowax root |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver, Gallbladder, Pericardium, San Jiao |
| Category | Herbs that release the Exterior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Disperses Liver Qi stagnation and relieves constraint
- Resolves alternating chills and fever (Shao Yang stage disorders)
- Raises the clear Yang and lifts sinking Qi
- Clears Heat and disperses constraint Heat
Indications
- Liver Qi stagnation with flank pain, irritability, depression and chest tightness
- Premenstrual syndrome, irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhoea from Liver Qi stagnation
- Alternating fever and chills, bitter taste and dry throat from Shao Yang disorders
- Prolapse of organs from middle Qi sinking (combined with Huang Qi)
- Emotional stress, anxiety and depression
- Headache, dizziness and blurred vision from Liver Yang rising
4. Key formulas containing Chái Hú
Chái Hú is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
- Xiao Yao San
- Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
- Xiao Chai Hu Tang
- Chai Hu Shu Gan San
- Si Ni San
- Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Bupleurum is one of the most clinically important and thoroughly researched Chinese medicinal herbs. Key bioactive constituents include saikosaponins (a, b, c, d), polysaccharides and flavonoids. Research demonstrates that saikosaponins have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, antiviral and anti-cancer properties. Chai Hu has been shown to inhibit inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-6), protect liver cells from damage and modulate glucocorticoid receptor activity — consistent with its role in regulating stress, cortisol and mood. Clinical research supports use in depression, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome, liver disease and as an adjunct in cancer care. The formula Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is one of the most studied herbal formulas in the world.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Liver Fire or Yin deficiency with rising Yang, where its ascending, dispersing action may aggravate the condition. Avoid prolonged high-dose use in Yin-deficient constitutions. Large doses may cause nausea. Avoid in patients with true Yin deficiency headache.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Chái Hú as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Irregular menstrual cycle, Burnout. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
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