Evidence supporting the use of: Bupleurum falcatum
For the health condition: Congestion (lungs)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bupleurum falcatum, known as Chai Hu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has a long history of use in East Asian herbal systems. Traditionally, it is not used as a primary remedy for acute lung congestion in the sense of directly breaking up phlegm or acting as an expectorant. However, Bupleurum is commonly included in complex formulas such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang, which are used to "harmonize" and "release the exterior," a TCM concept that can involve relieving symptoms associated with respiratory infections, such as mild congestion or cough. The traditional rationale is that Bupleurum helps to "spread Liver Qi" and relieve what is called "shaoyang disorders," which can include alternating chills and fever, chest discomfort, and fullness—a symptom set that sometimes overlaps with mild respiratory congestion.
Modern pharmacological studies have identified anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects of Bupleurum and its saponin constituents (saikosaponins), but direct scientific evidence supporting its efficacy specifically for lung congestion is lacking. Clinical studies validating its use for this indication are limited and mostly indirect. Thus, its use for lung congestion is primarily justified by historical and traditional practice rather than robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Congestion (lungs)
allspicealoe vera
alpha-pinene
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
black cumin
black currant
black pepper
Indian frankincense
bupleurum falcatum
bасора
capsaicinoids
chamomile
chen pi
Chinese salvia root
clove
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
onion
green tea
horseradish
Indian tinospora
licorice root
lovage
mustard seed
spruce
ophiopogon root
oregano
perilla
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
platycodon root
pomegranate
quercetin
rosemary
scrophularia root
shiitake mushroom
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
vitamin C
yellow root
squawvine
boneset
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
mugwort
malabar nut
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
inula racemosa
anise
blackboard tree
lingusticum wallichii
fritillaria
lemongrass
yerba santa
elecampane
coltsfoot
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
siler root
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
menthol oil
aster root
abies spectabilis
horehound
Sichuan pepper
cayenne pepper
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Allicin
Asarum heterotropoides
Aconite
Asafoetida
Andrographolide
allyl isothiocyanate
Adenophora
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Alantolactone
Atractylone
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Baphicacanthus cusia
Bidens pilosa
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Bayleaf
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bisabolene
Bee hive
Bael
berry
Boswellia
Baccharoides anthelmintica
black salt
Bee products
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borage
Bupleurum
Balloon Flower
Belamcanda
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Chinese Silkvine
Curry leaf
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Citrus
Cineole
Cajuput
Chinese Raisintree
Cowherb
Curcumen
Cistus
Calamus
Cinnamaldehyde
Carthamus
Culvers Root
Chondrus
Dragonhead
Diterpenes
Ephedra
European Elder
Evodia
Eclipta
Echinacea
Elder
Essential Oil Blend
Ephedrine
European-Five Finger Grass
Fang-Feng
Flavoglycosides
Frankincense
Gnaphalium
gamma-terpinene
Guaco
Gallesia
Gardenia jasminoides
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Galangal
Heartsease
Hedyotis
Ivy
Mustard
Mallow
Sandalwood
Vervain
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