Bupleurum root, also called Chai Hu, appears in traditional Chinese formulas for stress, fever, and digestive upset. People take it as a tea, tincture, or powdered extract.
Most studies on bupleurum come from lab or animal work, not human trials. Preclinical data hint at anti-inflammatory properties, but these findings have not been confirmed in people. Mainstream health agencies do not endorse it for any specific health use.
A practitioner trained in TCM usually oversees its use. Rare reports of serious liver injury have been linked to bupleurum products, so caution is warranted.