Bupleurum
Bupleurm falcatum – roots
Bupleurum is a traditional Chinese medicine used to protect the liver where it exerts anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions. This suggests it may be beneficial in diseases associated with poor liver function, acute and chronic liver disease including hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and liver cancer. The root was traditionally used as a tonic for influenza and the common cold, to treat the associated fever (because it is cooling), inflammation and pain.
The anti-inflammatory action extends to chronic inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dementia, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Bupleurum also protects the stomach and kidneys from toxic damage making it helpful for people who get frequent urinary tract infections.
Bupleurum can also improve liver enzyme activity in regard to oestrogen clearance making it effective in endometriosis, irregular menstruation and the symptoms of perimenopause such as hot flushes and depressive mood change.
Actions
Primary: anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antitussive.
Secondary: diaphoretic, neuroprotective.
Indications
- Supports healthy gastrointestinal and liver function.
- Relief of the symptoms of cold and flu.
Contra-indications and Cautions
Causes sedation when used in large doses, therefore caution when operating a motor vehicle or hazardous machinery.
Due to high saponin content, use with caution in patients with coeliac disease, fat malabsorption, pre-existing cholestasis, deficiencies in vitamins A, D, E and K, upper digestive tract irritations, and topically on open wounds. May (rarely) cause loose stool, nausea, flatulence, irritation of the gastric mucous membranes and reflux.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Not recommended in pregnancy or lactation
Avoid with sedatives or CNS depressants (including alcohol).
Administration and Dosage
The analysis of contents below is a guide only, product specific data including expiry date is with the item in the shop.
Bupleurum falcatum 1:2. Each 1 ml contains 500mg of dry herb.
Liquid extract in 45% ethanol. Use 25 to 60 ml weekly.
Our clinic uses fluid extracts from Optimal Rx, Herbal Extract Company, Nutrition Care, Mediherb or Sunray Botanicals, in this order.
Notes
Autoimmune disease, Calculi (kidney and bladder), Cancer; including prevention/supportive treatment, Acute infection, Treatment of fever, pain, and inflammation associated with influenza, and the common cold.
As an analgesic for the treatment of distending pain in the chest and hypochondriac regions, and for amenorrhoea. Extracts have been used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.
