Bupleurum, Chinese

Chinese Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense)

Chinese Bupleurum is a revered perennial herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), known as Chai Hu (柴胡). This slender, upright plant features delicate umbels of yellow-green flowers and thin, lance-shaped leaves. Native to East Asia, Bupleurum chinense is primarily grown for its medicinal roots, which have been used for centuries to support liver health, relieve fevers, and harmonize the body’s response to stress. It thrives in sunny, well-drained herb gardens and is an excellent addition to medicinal landscapes focused on traditional Asian healing systems.

Key Characteristics

• Key Liver and Immune Herb in TCM (Traditional Use)
  In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the root of Bupleurum chinense (Chai Hu) is used to regulate the liver qi, reduce fevers, ease tension, and support immune function. It's frequently used in classic formulas such as Xiao Yao San and Chai Hu Shu Gan San to address hormonal imbalances, emotional stress, and digestive discomforts. Roots are harvested in the fall of the second or third year.

• Supports Stress Relief and Hormonal Balance
  Known as a harmonizing herb, Bupleurum is used for its adaptogenic properties in modern herbalism. It is often combined with other liver and adrenal-supportive herbs to promote emotional stability, reduce irritability, and ease PMS or menopausal symptoms.

• Attractive Umbels for Pollinator Support
  Though grown mainly for its roots, Chinese Bupleurum produces delicate umbels of yellow-green flowers in July through September, which attract small beneficial insects and native pollinators. These blooms add airy structure and movement to herbal beds and naturalized gardens.

• Thrives in Full Sun with Well-Drained Soil
  Best suited for herb gardens, apothecary plots, and sunny borders, Bupleurum grows well in medium-dry soils and full sun. It prefers open conditions with good airflow and can be grown similarly to other root herbs like angelica or astragalus.

• Excellent for Medicinal Herb Gardens and Permaculture Apothecaries
  With its deep taproot and long-standing medicinal value, Chinese Bupleurum integrates beautifully into traditional herbalist gardens, perennial apothecaries, or regenerative systems focused on Asian healing plants.

Product Details

• Native Range: China, Korea, Mongolia

• Plant Life Cycle: Perennial (often grown as biennial for root harvest)

• Sun Requirements: Full sun

• Soil Requirements: Medium-dry to medium, well-drained soil

• Mature Height: 2–3 feet

• Bloom Time: July–September

• Bloom Color: Yellow-green umbels

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9

Chinese Bupleurum is a foundational TCM herb offering liver and immune support, stress relief, and hormonal balance. With graceful flowers and deep medicinal roots, it is both healing and beautiful in a well-designed herb garden.