What is Bupleurum used for?
As the pursuit of novel antidepressant drugs captivates the pharmaceutical field, the therapeutic efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely explored. Chaihu (Bupleurum) has been traditionally used for liver conditions such as hepatitis, liver inflammation, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. There isn’t enough information to know if bupleurum is safe. However, some side effects have been reported, including increased bowel movements, intestinal gas, and drowsiness. In combination with other herbs, such as in the Japanese herbal formula called Sho-saiko-to, it has caused serious lung and breathing problems.Bupleurum is included in many Chinese and Japanese traditional herbal formulas. It might help stimulate the immune system and protect the liver. People use bupleurum for asthma, depression, flu, hepatitis, liver cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When should I take Bupleurum?
Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies) Bupleurum has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to help relieve numerous conditions. Most particularly, infections with fever, liver problems, indigestion, hemorrhoids, and uterine prolapse. There isn’t enough information to know if bupleurum is safe. However, some side effects have been reported, including increased bowel movements, intestinal gas, and drowsiness. In combination with other herbs, such as in the Japanese herbal formula called Sho-saiko-to, it has caused serious lung and breathing problems.