Re: bupleurum

Sensible health's bupleurum-based bitters aren't suitable for everyone. I had a bad reaction, so Rebecca Wong told me to take only 1/4 tsp! Also, the sensiblehealth site says that you may need to reduce your dosage to only 1/8 of a teaspoon. That is ridiculous. All that means is that the formula is not well-balanced.

In an article on itmonline.org on the beneficial effects of moderate coffee consumption, the author talks about bupleurum as follows:

"The herb in the Chinese medical system that is most similar to coffee in its overall actions is bupleurum (chaihu). This herb also strongly dredges the liver qi, and by itself does not smooth the qi, so it also has the potential for adverse reactions if used excessively or if it is not formulated properly for the individual who uses it. The greatest problem with use of bupleurum is when liver blood and yin are deficient, in which case the dredging action and stimulation of qi circulation is too strong to yield a desired reaction. This potential reaction to bupleurum is usually ameliorated by using sufficient quantities of tang-kuei (danggui) and peony along with it. Bupleurum only mildly purges the gallbladder but is often combined with chih-shih (zhishi) to increase this purgative action, which helps to balance its upward qi flow with the downward bile flow. Bupleurum formulations can act as stimulants to the mental activity yet are calming for those suffering from anxiety and oppressive conditions, so they are often known as an anti- Depression therapy. For coffee drinkers, it is found to be both mentally stimulating and calming."

In Chinese medicine circles, bupleurum is a harsh herb and needs proper balancing with other herbs by a qualified practitioner of TCM according to the unique syndrome suffered by the individual patient. Where bupleurum is concerned, one size does not fit all. Tweet