Yín Chái Hú (银柴胡) — Stellaria Root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Incompatibilities
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Cools Yin-deficiency heat
2. Clears childhood nutritional-impairment heat (Gān heat)

Indications

1. Afternoon tidal fever, night sweats and steaming-bone fever from Yin deficiency
2. Childhood failure-to-thrive with low-grade fever, irritability and emaciation (Gān syndrome)
3. 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. Incompatibilities

Yín Chái Hú (银柴胡) Stellaria Root is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with active exterior pathogenic factors. Generally well tolerated.

Pattern contraindications

Used for Yin-deficiency Empty Heat patterns (e.g. afternoon fever, night sweats, hot palms and soles). Contraindicated in Excess Heat patterns and in Cold patterns.

Modern drug interactions

Generally well tolerated. Tell your GP if you are on long-term medication so the herbal prescription can be tailored around it.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

7. 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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