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BUPLEURUM (Thorow-wax) |
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(Umbelliferae/Apiaceae) |
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��������� There are about 100 species of hardy and frost-hardy annuals, perennials, and the occasional evergreen shrub in this genus distributed through Europe, temperate Asia, and North America; it is cultivated throughout central and eastern China. The common name Thorow-wax is the Old English for "Through grow", referring to the perfoliate leaves that are characteristic of many species. B. falcatum is found wild in southern, central, and Eastern Europe, and in Asia. A few species are grown as ornamentals for their foliage and flowers. |
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��������� B. falcatum was first mentioned in Chinese medical texts c. AD 200. Bupleurum is one of China's "Harmony" herbs, balancing different organs and energies within the body. It is used as a tonic, strengthening the action of the digestive tract, improving liver function, and helping to push blood to the surface of the body. It has been taken in China for over 2,000 years as a liver tonic, and is traditionally believed to strengthen liver qi and to have a tonic action on the spleen and stomach. In Chinese medicine, it 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. |
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��������� In common with Milk Thistle (Carduus marianus) and members of the Glycyrrhiza genus-for example, licorice (G. glabra) and gan cao (G. uralensis)-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. Recent research in Japan has confirmed traditional use, showing that Bupleurum does protect the liver; the traditional uses and scientific research accord so well that many Japanese doctors practicing conventional Western medicine now use extracts of Bupleurum root to treat patients with liver problems. |
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��������� Bupleurum is sometimes useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids and of prolapsed tissue in the pelvis, such as a prolapse of the uterus. In China, Bupleurum is also 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. |
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B. falcatum, syn. B. scorzoneeraefolium, |
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B. chinense (sickle-leaved hare's ear) |
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����������� Slender perennial with a woody rootstock, hollow stems, obviate basal leaves, and narrow stem leaves. Umbels of tiny yellow flowers are borne from midsummer to autumn. |
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HEIGHT:� 1-3 feet,���SPREAD:� 12-24 inches. |
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PARTS USED:�� Roots (chai hu). |
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KEY CONSTITUENTS: Bupleurumol, triterpenoid saponins-saikosides (saikosaponins), flavonoids (rutin). |
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KEY ACTIONS:� Protects liver, anti-inflammatory, tonic anti-viral. |
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PROPAGATION:� By seed sown in spring; by division when dormant. |
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SPACING:����� 12-36 inches apart. |
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CULTIVATION:� Well-drained soil in full sun. |
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HARVEST:����� Roots lifted in spring and autumn; used fresh, or dried for decoctions. |
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PROPERTIES:�� A bitter herb that acts as a tonic for the liver and circulatory system, lowers fevers, has anti-viral and anti-inflammatory effects |
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MEDICINAL:��� Internally for malaria, backwater fever, uterine and rectal prolapse, herpes simplex, hemorrhoids, sluggish liver associated with emotional instability, menstrual disorders, and abdominal bloating. Often used raw with wine for feverish illnesses, with vinegar as a circulatory stimulant, and with tortoise blood for malaria. |
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RESEARCH: |
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��������� Research in Japan from the 1960's onward into the Bupleurum genus has revealed that the saikosides are potent medicines. They appear to protect the liver from toxicity and strengthen liver function, even in people suffering from immune system disorders. Following this discovery, clinical trails during the 1980's in Japan demonstrated that Bupleurum is effective when used in the treatment of hepatitis and other chronic liver problems. |
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��������� The saikosides stimulate the body's production of corticosteroids and increase their anti-inflammatory effect. |
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KEY PREPARATIONS & THEIR USES: |
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��������� To stimulate sweating, thus reducing fever, drink a cup of decoction 3 times a day. |
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��������� To improve liver function, decoct 15g Bupleurum, 5g licorice, and 750 ml water. Take in 3 doses during a 24-hour period. |
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Herb Database |
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Garden Photo's |
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