Move qi
Chai Hu
柴胡
Bupleurum root
Bupleurum chinense
Soothes liver qi and is the shaoyang herb.
Not for self-dosing. This page is not a formula, not a strength, and not a substitute for a licensed herbalist or physician.
Category
Cool · Acrid, Bitter
Meridians entered
Traditional uses
Two jobs students must not blur: venting a half-exterior pattern (alternating feelings, rib fullness) and spreading liver qi when emotion and the ribs are the story. It also raises yang in some formulas. Overuse is a known way formulas become too drying and lifting.
Common pairings
- Bai Shao 白芍
The essential liver pair: Chai Hu moves, Bai Shao softens and protects yin.
- Huang Qin 黄芩
The shaoyang pair. Harmonizing formulas, not a DIY decoction.
Cautions
Not for self-dosing. Care with liver disease, interstitial lung disease reports in some formulas, and pregnancy. Raising herbs can worsen a headache that is already from excess above.
Points with a similar aim
Liver Shu
Liver transport point on the mid-back.
Use caution
Gallbladder Shu
Gallbladder transport point, just below the liver shu.
Use caution
Middle Islet
Back-of-hand hollow for the ear and the side of the head.
Outer Pass
Outer forearm point opposite PC6, for the side of the head.
Wind Screen
The hollow behind the earlobe.
Use caution
Yang Mound Spring
Outer leg below the knee, the sinew influential point.
Use caution
Mound of Ruins
Front of the outer ankle, Gallbladder source point.
Use caution
Foot Governor of Tears
Top of the foot, opening point of the Dai vessel.