Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bupleurum, particularly the root (Bupleuri Radix, known as Chai Hu in Traditional Chinese Medicine), has a long-standing history of use in East Asian medicine. In traditional practice, Bupleurum is included in many herbal formulas intended to support convalescence—recovery from illness—due to its reputed properties to "harmonize" the body, clear lingering pathogens, and support liver function. It is a key ingredient in classical formulas such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang, which is often prescribed for people recovering from febrile diseases or chronic illnesses where the body’s energy (Qi) is believed to be disrupted. The rationale in traditional systems is that Bupleurum helps regulate Qi and resolve what is considered "Shaoyang syndrome," a pattern thought to involve alternating fever and chills, fatigue, and poor appetite—symptoms that may be present during convalescence.

However, scientific evidence for Bupleurum’s effectiveness specifically for convalescence is very limited. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects, but there is a lack of clinical trials directly assessing its benefit in recovery from illness. Thus, its use for convalescence is justified mainly by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

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