Evidence supporting the use of: Bupleurum falcatum
For the health condition: Chills
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bupleurum falcatum is a medicinal herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is known as "Chai Hu." Its primary historical use is for harmonizing and resolving "Shaoyang syndromes," which often present with alternating chills and fever, as well as chest discomfort and poor appetite. The concept of "chills" in TCM does not always correspond exactly to the Western medical definition, but the pattern of symptoms Bupleurum addresses—especially in classic formulas like Xiao Chai Hu Tang—includes chills as a prominent feature.
While there is some modern research on Bupleurum, most studies focus on its effects in hepatitis, inflammation, and immune modulation, rather than specifically on chills. The use of Bupleurum for chills is thus primarily supported by centuries of traditional practice and inclusion in classical formulas, rather than robust clinical trials. A few small studies and case reports note improvement in feverish illnesses, but these are not sufficient to establish strong scientific validation for this specific indication.
In summary, the use of Bupleurum falcatum for chills is rooted in traditional medical systems, with moderate historical evidence but limited modern scientific research directly supporting its efficacy for this particular symptom.
Other ingredients used for Chills
allspicegreen chiretta
betel
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
clove
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
greek mountain tea
mustard seed
pear
rhizome
schizonepeta
thyme
water
squawvine
xanthium (cockleburs)
atractylodes
mugwort
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
inula racemosa
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
lingusticum wallichii
lemongrass
chrysanthemum
siler root
hyacinth bean
zanthoxylum
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Anamu
Aconite
Asteracea
Arani
Arisaema
Atractylone
Bermuda Grass
Baphicacanthus cusia
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Capillary Artemisia
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Cinchona
Chirata
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Essential Oil Blend
European-Five Finger Grass
Mustard
Other health conditions supported by bupleurum falcatum
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Anxiety
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Migraine
Nephritis
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Stress
Ulcers