The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Bupleurum is also known as Hare's Ear. Bupleurum Root is one of the most important herbs used in Chinese herbalism. The Chinese name for Bupleurum, chai hu, means "kindling of the barbarians". The part of this plant used medicinally is the root, which is dug up in Spring or Autumn, dried in the sun, and then cut into short pieces. Bupleurum is not a tonic herb, but it is useful in the tonic system because of its ability to relieve liver tension and digestive disturbances, and because its actions are detoxifying & anti-microbial. Bupleurum has the ability to clear "stagnation" virtually anywhere in the body. It can be used to relieve spasms, muscle tension, lumps, and bleeding due to menstrual irregularity. An essential oil in Bupleurum is responsible for its ability to relieve surface heat. This herb is anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, mild sedative, antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic, adaptogen, and anti-tussive. The primary chemical constituents of Bupleurum Root include fatty acids, glycosides, oleic acid, palmitic acid, quercetin, and narcissin. This herb also contains constituents known as saikosaponins that appear to account for much of the medicinal activity of the plant. Bupleurum Root is a primary herb in dozens of classical formulations which serve a wide variety of harmonizing activities, all of which regulate body energy, help relieve blockages in the body, and discharges the toxins safely out of the system. As time go by, these Bupleurum-based formulas typically become less and less necessary, until eventually they only need to be used occasionally, if at all. It can be used for treating the common cold that is accompanied by alternating symptoms of chills and fever, chest pain, prolapse of the anus, uterus, & other internal organs, and irregular menstruation. It is also effective for women with menstrual problems associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Regarding its effective liver cleansing capabilities, one of its most important activities is to continually eliminate impurities and waste matter from the system - Bupleurum has a unique reputation for deeply cleansing this overburdened organ.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program, and in capsule form as part of our Combo Herbs sales programs.)
