What is Bupleurum chinense?Uses and Application.

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Description and plant part used of Bupleurum chinense.

Bupleurum Extract Radix Bupleuri Bupleurum chinense Bupleurum falcatum Bupleurum chinense syn B scorzoneraefolium North Chinese Thorowax Root photo picture image The part of this plant used medicinally is the root, which is dug up in Spring or Autumn, dried in the sun, and then cut into short pieces. Bupleurum is not a tonic herb, but it is useful in the tonic system because of its ability to relieve liver tension and digestive disturbances, and because its actions are detoxifying and anti-microbial. Bupleurum has the ability to clear "stagnation" virtually anywhere in the body. It can be used to relieve spasms, muscle tension, lumps, and bleeding due to menstrual irregularity. An essential oil in Bupleurum is responsible for its ability to relieve surface heat.

 Bupleurum or Chinese thorough wax is a perennial herb growing wild on the sunny sides of sedge thickets. Its leaves are alternative, and broad linear-lanceolate; its apexes are acuminate; its bases gradually narrowing; the margins are intact and parallel veins 7 to 9 inches. In the autumn, small golden flowers that are either terminal or axillary appear to form compound umbellate inflorescences. The seed capsule is flat and elliptical in shape.

 Parts used and where grown: These Asian plants are part of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family, and resemble dill or fennel. However, bupleurum has long thin leaves rather than the lacy appearance of fennel and dill leaves. The Chinese name for bupleurum, chai hu, means "kindling of the barbarians". The origin of this name is unclear. The roots of the plant are used in herbal medicine.

 Harvest Processing:Dig out roots in spring and autumn; remove leaves and soil; dry under the sun.

 Cylindrical, or long and conical; 6-15 cm long, 3-8 mm in diameter. Top part bulgy; top end with remnants of 3-15 caudexes or short fibrous leaf bases; lower part often rameous (branched). Outer surface dull blackish-brown or light brown, marked with longitudinal wrinkles, lateral root scars and lenticels. Hard and pliable, does not break easily. When broken, surface fibrous and lobate (lobe-like); cortex light brown; xylem yellowish-white. Odour: slightly fragrant; taste: slightly bitter.

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citations1.What is Bupleurum chinense?Uses and Application.

last edit date:25th,May.2009.