Skip to content
Cura x Cura

Chai Hu柴胡

Bupleuri Radix · Bupleurum Root

Herbs that Release the Exterior 解表药《神农本草经》

Overview

The signature herb for the Shaoyang level and for constrained Liver qi: it vents pathogens caught between exterior and interior, courses the Liver, and lifts sunken yang qi — the chief of Xiao Chai Hu Tang and Xiao Yao San alike.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, acrid · Slightly cold

Channels

Liver · Gallbladder

Typical Dosage

3–9 g in decoction
柴胡Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Harmonizes Shaoyang, reduces feverAlternating chills and fever of the Shaoyang pattern.
  • Courses the Liver, resolves constraintHypochondriac distension and pain, menstrual irregularity from constrained Liver qi.
  • Raises yang qiSinking of the middle qi — assists Huang Qi and Sheng Ma in Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Chai Hu

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Alternating chills and fever, Shaoyang presentations
    - Liver-constraint flank pain and menstrual irregularity
    - Sinking middle-qi patterns (with tonics)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Intermittent feverPMSStress-related digestive complaints

Contraindications

Cautions

Ascending and dispersing: use carefully in Liver-yang rising and yin-deficiency fire; larger doses may drain qi upward.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.