Radix Bupleuri
A classic harmonising herb that soothes the Liver, spreads stagnant Qi, and gently lifts the body's yang — long used to steady mood, ease tension, and resolve alternating chills and fever.
What Is Radix Bupleuri?
Radix Bupleuri (柴胡), known as Chai Hu, is the dried root of Bupleurum chinense. It is one of the most important harmonising herbs in Chinese medicine, valued for spreading and smoothing the flow of Liver Qi, releasing constrained heat from the lesser-yang (Shaoyang) stage, and gently raising the body's yang Qi.
Bitter and cool with a light, dispersing quality, Chai Hu is a chief herb for emotional tension, irritability, and stagnation-related discomfort — from a stifling chest and rib-side fullness to irregular, uncomfortable menstruation. Because it lifts sunken Qi, it also anchors classic formulas for fatigue and prolapse. Modern research focuses on its saikosaponins.
History & Origin
Chai Hu has been a cornerstone of Chinese herbal medicine for over two thousand years, central to some of its most famous classical formulas.
Traditional Uses
Harmonises Shaoyang
Resolves lesser-yang disorders marked by alternating chills and fever, a bitter taste, and a stifling chest.
Soothes the Liver
Courses and spreads constrained Liver Qi, easing irritability, moodiness, and rib-side or chest distension.
Raises Yang Qi
Lifts sunken Qi, supporting formulas for fatigue, organ prolapse, and chronic diarrhoea.
Regulates Menstruation
Relieves Liver-Qi-stagnation patterns behind irregular cycles, premenstrual tension, and breast distension.
Vents Constrained Heat
Releases heat trapped by stagnation, helping with low-grade fevers and a warm, restless feeling.
Harmonises Formulas
Pairs with tonifying and blood herbs to keep Qi moving and direct actions to the Liver channel.
Health Benefits
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Emotional BalanceHelps ease tension, irritability, and low mood linked to stagnant Liver Qi.
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Menstrual ComfortSupports smoother, more comfortable cycles and eases premenstrual tension.
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Resolves Alternating FeverA classic remedy for the chills-and-fever pattern of Shaoyang disorders.
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Lifts & EnergisesRaises sunken yang Qi to counter fatigue and a heavy, dragging feeling.
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Studied SaikosaponinsIts active compounds show anti-inflammatory and liver-supportive activity in research.
Soups Featuring Radix Bupleuri
Radix Bupleuri is a key ingredient in these Food Art no-cook herbal soups, thoughtfully formulated to provide its nourishing qualities in a convenient, ready-to-brew format.
The information provided on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal products.
