You are here: Home > Health Articles > Herbs > Bupleurum

Bupleurum

Note from Carolyn:
Although Dr. G is talking about her specific tincture herbs can be prepared and used in many forms. These include decoctions, teas, infusions, salves, capsules and other forms.
 
Article continues ...
 
Patients and readers have been asking for more information on healthy ways to use herbal tinctures; you asked for it, here is my favorite herbal tincture complex and specifics about each of the two herbs used in the same formula – Bupleurum root and Turmeric root (also known as Curcuma).

Bupleurum root, also known in Chinese medicine as Chai Hu, is a member of the carrot family as well as a cousin to parsley and looks similar to dill weed.

Bupleurum At a Glance…

First mentioned in Chinese medical texts as early as A.D. 200, Bupleurum Root is considered a deep herbal liver cleanser that helps rid the body of toxins and may ease hepatitis, gallbladder, spleen and digestive ailments.  It also invigorates the circulatory system and promotes healthy heart and lung function, respiration and blood vessel strength, among many other medicinal uses as listed below.

This plant is used in combination with Turmeric to achieve specific health benefits; it is rarely used alone.

Benefits:

  • Contains bupleurumol and triterpenoid saponins (most valuable is saikosides), flavonoids (the active one being rutin).
  • Saikosides in the plant are known to possess liver-protective properties that guard its proper function while aiding in the elimination of toxins. Bupleurum root has been used for centuries to deeply cleanse the liver – it continually rids the system of toxic impurities. It also is credited with strengthening and nourishing the liver and gallbladder and very helpful for hepatitis. Those with a weakened immune system like victims of fibromyalgia, lupus, Scleroderma, arthritis, AIDS, Gulf War Syndrome, fatty liver, abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, etc., benefit from its use because Bupleurum restores the health of their livers. Furthermore, saikosides increase the action of steroids in the body – boosting natural anti-inflammatory defenses.
  • Rutin strengthens the smallest blood vessels – capillaries. It is essential for the body to absorb vitamin C, which is a proven immune support supplement. Rutin’s most important use is in the fight against allergies of all types. It is said to slow down the process of histamine release in the body, which results in the decreasing of multiple allergic responses.
    In general, the ingredients in Bupleurum make this plant an exceptional supplement:
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-bacterial
  • Anti-viral
  • Many centuries ago people treated Bupleurum as one of the “harmony” herbs – capable of balancing functions in all the parts of the body. It was reported to support the liver and spleen, eliminating the “disharmony” between them. Such symptoms as nausea, indigestion, and abdominal cramps were believed to be the signs of such imbalance. Nowadays these problems are still treated with this herb.
  • Bupleurum is also considered to be an excellent means to improve overall blood circulation. Fever can be reduced with the help of this herb as well.
  • Modern research reports a possibility of using Bupleurum for the treatment of bone cancer, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual irregularity.
  • The herb is reported to have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and helpful for moderating emotional instability that may be brought on by an over-burdened toxic liver. It works by managing neurological disorders with a gentle restorative effect on the body.
  • It is credited as a heart tonic as well as benefiting the lungs while stimulating overall circulation and strengthening blood vessels. It is helpful to prevent bleeding from tiny capillaries with the eyes that can lead to macular degeneration.
  • Further supporting its capillary-strengthening reputation, Bupleurum Root is thought to act as a serotonin blocker.  Serotonin is a hormone-like chemical that makes the walls of capillaries more permeable, leading to soft tissue swelling, including swelling of nasal membranes that can cause a stuffy nose.  This activity may be particularly helpful in alleviating the effects of allergies.
  • Reputed to be an antiviral and antibacterial, Bupleurum Root is believed to deactivate measles virus, herpes simplex virus, amoebic infection and microbes.

Health Benefits Reported

  • Many centuries ago people treated Bupleurum as one of the “harmony” herbs – capable of balancing functions in all the parts of the body. It was reported to support the liver and spleen, eliminating the “disharmony” between them. Such symptoms as nausea, indigestion, and abdominal cramps were believed to be the signs of such imbalance. Nowadays these problems are still treated with this herb.
  • Bupleurum is also considered to be an excellent means to improve overall blood circulation. Fever can be reduced with the help of this herb as well.
  • Modern research reports a possibility of using Bupleurum for the treatment of bone cancer, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, irritable bowel syndrome and menstrual irregularity.
  • The herb is reported to have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and helpful for moderating emotional instability that may be brought on by an over-burdened toxic liver. It works by managing neurological disorders with a gentle restorative effect on the body.
  • It is credited as a heart tonic as well as benefiting the lungs while stimulating overall circulation and strengthening blood vessels. It is helpful to prevent bleeding from tiny capillaries in the eyes that can lead to macular degeneration.
  • Further supporting its capillary-strengthening reputation, Bupleurum Root is thought to act as a serotonin blocker.  Serotonin is a hormone-like chemical that makes the walls of capillaries more permeable, leading to soft tissue swelling, including swelling of nasal membranes that can cause a stuffy nose.  This activity may be particularly helpful in alleviating the effects of allergies.
  • Reputed to be an antiviral and antibacterial, Bupleurum Root is believed to deactivate measles virus, herpes simplex virus, amoebic infection and microbes.
Contraindications
Pregnant and nursing women should not use Bupleurum Root Herbal Supplement, nor should it be used when undergoing interferon therapy for hepatitis.  The herb should not be taken in conjunction with antibiotics, which often kills off intestinal bacteria necessary to activate Bupleurum, nor should it be taken with prescription, non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without first consulting your health professional. Overuse or extended use may cause gastroenteritis, intestinal colic or diarrhea due to the saponin content.
 
Dr. Gloria Gilbere
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of the author(s). Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of the authors. You are encouraged to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional.