Chai hu bupleurum is the key root in this formula that regulates intestinal movement.

Another great formula that helps keep down any stress-induced digestive problems.

Chai hu shu gan tang (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver) is used for many digestive issues that are aggravated by stress, especially when it effects the Stomach or the intestines.

The (Chinese) Liver is very sensitive to anger, frustration, rage, these types of thing. These things get the Liver all riled up and the Liver tends to take it out on the (Chinese) Spleen and Stomach. This is why the movements of the Stomach and Intestines are compromised when you get upset emotionally (even if the emotion isn’t anger).

Think bloating, nausea, even diarrhea. Now, just because we call it “stress-induced” doesn’t mean we’re limited to that cause. Another cause would be “hormonal” or PMS, anything coincidental with the time just before or during a woman’s period.

Alternative Names

• Chai-hu-shu-kan-san
• Chai Hu Shu Gan San
• Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver

Ingredients

Chai Hu 柴胡 hare’s ear root, thorowax root, bupleurum Radix Bupleuri [caution]

• Regulates the qi, you can think of this as the enteric (digestive) nervous system.

Chen Pi 陳皮 aged tangerine peel, citrus Citri reticulatae Pericarpium

• This regulates intestinal movement and dries excess fluids in the intestines.

Zhi Ke 枳殼 bitter orange Aurantii Fructus [use caution if pregnant]

• Like Chen Pi above, this regulates the movements of the intestines to address bloating or constipation.

Xiang Fu 香附 cyperus, nut-grass rhizome Cyperi Rhizoma

• Another qi regulator to make sure that the intestinal contents don’t get stagnated and turn in to gas or dampness.

Chuan Xiong 川芎 Sichuan lovage root, cnidium, chuanxiong root Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong

• This herb also stimulates movement, but more for blood than qi energy.

Bai Shao 白芍 white peony root, peony Paeoniae Radix alba [supports pregnancy]

• This herb nourishes the blood of the Liver which helps prevent qi stagnation. When the Liver is nourished, it can do what it is supposed to and that is maintain the free-flow of qi.

Gan Cao 甘草 licorice root Radix Glycyrrhizae [caution]

• This licorice root is added to the formula for two reasons.

1. It harmonizes and softens the effects of the other herbs in the formula to prevent harsh reactions or side-effects.
2. It also gently supports the digestion to keep the digestion working well.

This formula can be used to support health with or without symptoms. If symptoms are present, take 1 level teaspoon of the powder (8 capsules) three times daily. When symptoms are not present, take 1/2 level teaspoon (4 capsules), two times daily. Empty stomach is best for efficient absorption, but not essential. [More…]

At this dosage, your order will last approximately this long (?):

• 100 grams powder (capsules or powder): 8 to 25 days
• 200 grams powder (powder only): 19 to 56 days