Xiao Chai Hu Pian

Bupleuri Relaxe is one of the most famous Chinese herbal formulas in history. Its harmonizing property has found broad applications in conditions that manifest the "minor bupleurum" TCM pattern.

The pattern of conditions Xiao Chai Hu Tang deals with is known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Shao Yang Syndrome or Lesser Yang Stage disorder. Traditionally, this means that an external evil has penetrated the body (such as Wind) but was not released properly or completely. The evil then sinks deeper into the body, becoming stuck in the level described as in-between the interior and exterior energetic systems. According to TCM, this "half-interior, half-exterior" level corresponds primarily with the GallBladder and Liver organs/meridians. Typical presentations of this pattern include a feeling of both chills and heat, a feeling of rib-sides fullness, a bitter taste in the mouth, reduced appetite, and short temper.

Xiao Chai Hu Tang consists of seven herbs. The chief Chinese herb, Chai Hu (Bupleurum) is an important herb for dealing irritability due to Liver Qi stagnation. Chai Hu is cooling and soothes the Liver with an ascending action that prevents the evil from penetrating further into the interior. Here, Chai Hu is combined with Huang Qin (Scutellaria) which aids in draining heat from the Liver and Gall Bladder system and vents evils. Together, these two herbs have a powerful calming effect.

Zhi Ban Xia (prepared Pinellia) and Sheng Jiang (Ginger) work together to harmonize the middle burner (Spleen/Stomach) by transforming phlegm, directing rebellious Qi downward, and improving appetite. Dang Shen (Codonopsis) is a powerful Qi and Blood tonic that assists in expelling evils by restoring the body's own constitutional strength. Da Zao (Jujube) and Gan Cao (Licorice) harmonize the bitter properties of some of the other medicinals in the formula and also mildly assist Chai Hu.

Together, these seven herbs have a remarkable synergistic effect that can be applied to a wide range of presentations.