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.
Bupleurum is a key ingredient in the formula known as sho-saiko-to. This is a traditional herbal medicine formula based on the traditional Chinese formula xiao-chai-hu-tang. In English, it has been called minor bupleurum formula. Bupleurum makes up 16% of the formula for sho-saiko-to (see below for the complete contents of the formula). Results reported for sho-saiko-to cannot be attributed solely to bupleurum because the other herbs in the formula also contribute.
Bupleurum as liver tonic:
Ancient Chinese remedy - Bupleurum has been taken in China for over 2,000 years as a liver tonic. Bupleurum is traditionally believed to strengthen liver qi and to have a tonic action on the spleen and stomach. In Chinese medicine, bupleurum is used to treat "disharmony" between the liver and the spleen, a condition that manifests itself in problems of the digestive system such, as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and indigestion.
Liver problems - In common with milk thistle and members of the Glycyrrhiza genus -for example, licorice and gan cao - bupleurum is an excellent remedy for a poorly functioning or weakened liver. Its anti-inflammatory action may contribute to its overall use in the treatment of liver disease.
Bupleurum used as Fever medicine:
Fever-In China, bupleurum is taken to reduce fever, especially in instances when it is accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth; irritability, and either vomiting and abdominal pain, or dizziness and vertigo.
