Bupleurum chinense is a slender perennial whose bitter root has anchored Chinese medicine for over two millennia as the premier herb for moving stagnant liver qi and resolving alternating chills and fever. Its characteristic saikosaponins penetrate deep tissue to harmonize disharmonies between the liver and spleen, making it indispensable in formulas addressing emotional constraint and digestive discord.
root
decoction, powder, tincture, capsule
6–12g dried root daily in decoction; 1–3g powder extract twice daily
May cause headache in high doses. Generally safe.
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