Yín Chái Hú (银柴胡) — Stellaria Root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yín Chái Hú (银柴胡) is the dried root of Stellaria dichotoma var. lanceolata. Despite the name, it is botanically and clinically distinct from Chái Hú (Bupleurum). It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear deficiency heat in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most useful herbs for Yin-deficiency heat in Chinese herbal medicine, particularly steaming-bone fever and the heat patterns of childhood nutritional impairment (Gān).
I prescribe Yín Chái Hú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Yín Chái Hú |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 银柴胡 |
| Latin name | Stellaria dichotoma |
| English name | Stellaria root / Lanceolate dichotoma |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Stomach |
| Category | Herbs that clear deficiency heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Cools Yin-deficiency heat
- Clears childhood nutritional-impairment heat (Gān heat)
Indications
- Afternoon tidal fever, night sweats and steaming-bone fever from Yin deficiency
- Childhood failure-to-thrive with low-grade fever, irritability and emaciation (Gān syndrome)
- Convalescence after febrile illness with residual heat
4. Modern research
Stellaria root contains cyclic peptides, saponins, flavonoids and amino acids. Studies report antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and mild immunomodulatory effects. The traditional clinical role in children's heat patterns is well-established but high-quality modern clinical trials are limited.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in patients with active exterior pathogenic factors. Generally well tolerated.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Yín Chái Hú as part of tailored herbal formulas for steaming-bone fever, residual heat after illness, and selected paediatric presentations of low-grade fever with poor appetite. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
