One of the most highly valued natural remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is revered for its potent detoxification properties for over 2,000 years is bupleurum. Often referred to as Chai Hu in Traditional Chinese Medicine texts, which means kindling of the barbarians, as well as Saiko, Thoroughwax, Sickle-leaf Hare’s ear, and more, it is a superb liver-cleansing and health-promoting herb that comes with a wealth of health benefits.
Here are some interesting facts about this wondrous plant.
What is Bupleurum?
It is a plant that looks much like fennel and dill, with sickle-shaped leaves and greenish-yellow flowers. The roots of this Apiaceae family member are the part of the plant that is used as medicine to help clear Liver heat and disperse Qi mainly due to the saponins and plant sterols that are found among its components.
The American species of this ancient herb can be found in North Western Idaho and Southwestern Montana.
Bupleurum Benefits
In the Traditional Chinese Medicine model of health and disease, Qi deficiency (when Qi does not flow freely) is a cause of many diseases. Bupleurum helps enable the free flow of both Qi and blood, contributing to a healthy function of the body.
The roots of the plant also hold potent anti-inflammatory qualities and have been used to treat all kinds of liver disorders, including cirrhosis. Other than that, in vitro studies have evidenced that bupleurum comes packed with (1) chemopreventive (prevents or stops cancer from developing), (2) antiproliferative (stops the spread of cancerous cells), (3) hepatoprotective, and (4) antiviral properties.
To give you an idea, bupleurum has been found to be particularly effective when used to:
1 Improve liver function and detoxification
Among many other vital tasks, the liver is responsible for getting rid of the toxins that flow in the blood and making bile, which helps the body use and absorb fat-soluble vitamins and fats. Eating processed foods, drinking alcohol, pollution, and certain medications take a toll on the liver, preventing it from working as it should. Bupleurum can detoxify the liver, enabling it to remove hazardous toxins and convert nutrients properly.
2 Treat and prevent liver cancer and cirrhosis
Chronic infection (i.e., Hepatitis C) and excessive alcohol consumption are leading factors that can cause cirrhosis. In this condition, the healthy tissue of the liver is replaced with scar tissues. When this happens, the blood and bile cannot flow through the liver, which may even result in the death of the patient. Studies at Osaka City University Medical School have shown that bupleurum has protective liver properties, especially when part of a Japanese medicine called Xiao Chai Hu Tang (or Sho-Saiko-To). Bupleurum may even help prevent the development of liver cancer in individuals already having liver cirrhosis.
3 Enhance the function of the adrenal gland
When used in combination with Panax ginseng and licorice, bupleurum can stimulate the function of the adrenal gland, which is a huge deal for patients taking adrenal health-affecting corticosteroid drugs for extended periods of time. As a result, adrenal insufficiency is prevented and even combatted, allowing the body to improve its energy levels and pump out dozens of life-dependent hormones.
4 Relieve epilepsy episodes
When the activity of the nerves in the brain is disturbed, the individual experiences seizures. This disorder is called epilepsy. Bupleurum is a major component of two Chinese herbal formulas that help relieve epilepsy episodes, namely Sho Keishi To and Sho Saiko To, with zero negative interactions with anticonvulsant medications already being taken by patients. These two formulas contain the same herbs – what is different is the ratio of these herbs.
5 Fight ovarian cancer
The antioxidant, apoptotic, and anticancer attributes of bupleurum root extract have been evaluated by a recent study, as a means to determine whether it has any effect on ovarian cancer. The extract was indeed able to stimulate an impressive cascade of cancer-killing effects while also encouraging the shrinkage of ovarian cancer cells. This means that bupleurum can be considered a tremendous natural cancer treatment, given that it can foster the death of cancer cells and disrupt their energy metabolism.
6 Treat depression
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, liver Qi stagnation is a primary factor that results in depression. TCM practitioners recommend an herbal formula that contains bupleurum (see Chai Hu Shu Gan San) that is especially effective when used to treat menopause and premenstrual syndrome-related depression. Given that many people taking antidepressants and mood-stabilizing medications experience a wide range of side effects, considering a natural remedy is always worthwhile.
Other Health Benefits of Bupleurum
Bupleurum is also found to help treat:
- Respiratory infections and their symptoms (common cold, flu, pneumonia, etc.).
- Digestion problems (constipation, indigestion, diarrhea, etc.).
- Painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and premenstrual syndrome.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Anorexia (loss of appetite).
- Chest pain
- Malaria
- Muscle cramps
- Joint pain
- High cholesterol
- Hemorrhoids
- Ulcers
Bupleurum Side Effects
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center suggests not to use bupleurum if you are taking medications that are substrates of:
- Cytochrome P450 2C9
- Cytochrome P450 2E1
- Cytochrome P450 2D6
- Cytochrome P450 3A4
Lab studies suggest that the plant extract might increase the risk of the side effects tied to these drugs or induce a set of enzymes that may cause health risks. However, these occurrences are more likely at higher doses of bupleurum. In any case, patients should check with their physician. The same applies to pregnant and breastfeeding women, due to a lack of sufficient information about the safety of using the root extract in these instances.
Overall, bupleurum is safe to use for up to five years, especially when taken by mouth. Caution should be exercised when used in combination with other herbs, such as Sho-Saiko-To, which might cause drowsiness, intestinal gas, and increased bowel movements. It may also put the immune system into a more active mode, which can trigger an increase in the symptoms related to autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.
Finally, the saikosaponins in bupleurum could slow blood clotting, which might, in theory, force diabetes patients to readjust the dose of their diabetes medication. For the same reason, individuals with bleeding disorders will need to consult their physician before taking bupleurum, especially if treated with enoxaparin (Lovenox), warfarin (Coumadin), and the likes, or blood clot-dissolving drugs, such as streptokinase, reteplase (Retevase), or alteplase (Activase).
General precautions when taking a natural formula (bupleurum included):
- Some products may not mix well with other natural products or drugs. So, always check with your doctor before using a natural remedy.
- If you are at high risk for infection (i.e., on chemotherapy, had a transplant or have an autoimmune disease), do take extra care.
- Consult your physician if you take medications that help with inflammation or swelling, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and Naprosyn.
- Do not consume alcohol when taking bupleurum.
How to Grow Bupleurum
The secret to getting bupleurum to grow is to ensure it gets enough light. For that reason, it is recommended not to bury the seed rather than cover it with a light dusting of soil and make sure the place where you plant it is in full sun. Other than that, it is super easy to grow bupleurum in the garden or even a pot. The most common method is to start the herb from seed, although seed germination can, sometimes, be a challenge. Here is the drill involved:
- Weed the bed in which you are planning to sow your seeds (be meticulous).
- Sow the seed in straight lines (will help make weeding easier) at soil temperatures 60F (16C) or above in a well-draining garden bed. It might be best to pre-water the bed to avoid washing away the munchkins when you water the soil later on.
- Surface sow and plant the seed as described earlier (firm into the ground by lightly covered with soil). Space the plants to one foot apart (approximately).
- Ensure you moist the soil (moderately) for about 14 days until germination.
- Weed the bed regularly to enable the bupleurum seeds to get all the nutrients and water you give them.
The bupleurum plant has very few pest and insect issues and only requires a little extra food to grow. To have plants year-round, you could make a Spring sowing April and an Autumn sowing from September. The cut flower can last from one week to up to 10 days or so.
How to Make Bupleurum Tea
Your local health store or an online nutritional supplements store may sell bupleurum supplements in liquid or pill form. You may, of course, purchase bupleurum as a tea, which is a rather pricey option (yet, still an option to consider).
Getting dried bupleurum root to make tea is another alternative. In this case, visit Asian markets to find it and then combine one teaspoon of the powder with one cup of boiling water. As with all other teas, let it brew for 10-12 minutes and then drink.
Now, if you want to make your own tea from the plants you have grown in your garden, you can, as well, dry the root of your bupleurum plants. Cut the herb when in full blossom and leave the root to dry in a well ventilated, dark, and dry place. Remove when the root feels completely crispy (should be breakable and brittle in your hands).
To ensure you get all the nutritional and medicinal qualities of your root, do not leave the root drying beyond that point. Put in storage (preferably in a clean, cool, dark, and dry place) pronto – you may use non-aluminum stainless steel, paper bags, or glass jars. Remember that roots can retain their medicinal potency for up to 48 months!
