Bupleurum is a plant; its root is commonly used to make medicine. Native to East Asia, buplerum is a member of the Umbelliferae (or Apiaceae) family. Bupleurum has long been used in Chinese medicine which is among the ‘harmony herb”.
Bupleurum also used to promote perspiration by aiding the body to rush blood to the surface, beneficial in clearing fever, flu and inflammation due to infection. Bupleurum demonstrates antiviral properties.
Bupleurum has been shown to inactivate enveloped viruses including measles and herpes, but had no effect on non-enveloped viruses such as polio. Bupleurum may be helpful in the inactivation of certain hepatitis viruses.
Bupleurum is available in the form of saikosaponin extract at Chinese pharmacies, as chai hu from practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and in combination with other herbs in many important Chinese herbal formulas.
It is used for hepatitis and all liver disorders and to help resolve and bring out eruptic diseases. One of the peculiarities of Bupleurum is its capacity to ‘dredge’ out old emotions of sadness and anger that may be stored in the organs and tissues of the body.
Bupleurum enhances the production of interferon, an immune-system chemical used in cancer treatment. The herb also contains rutin, a bioflavonoid that helps restrain cancer cells from multiplying indefinitely.
Bupleurum has the ability, when combined with other herbs to clear stagnation virtually anywhere in the body. It can be used to relieve blocks, imbalances and tension that cause spasms, muscle tension, lumps, bleeding due to heat and menstrual irregularity.
This herb is very useful for some circulation issues if caused by internal tension, such as with erection problems, neck tension, “freezing up” under stress, Pre-menstrual tension, and it even sometimes helps with dizziness caused by Meniere’s disease.
Bupleurum can be found in some Asian markets, online and at the offices of Chinese medical practitioners.