Bei Chai Hu
Bupleurum chinense
Family: Apiaceae or Umbelliferae
What it is like
Bupleurum chinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Grassy areas on hills and mountain slopes in Korea. Grasslands, stream banks, sunny slopes and roadsides at elevations of 100 - 2700 metres in China.
E. Asia - China, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Leaves and young shoots - cooked.The new growth in spring and autumn is used. It is a good source of rutin. Root - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Rutin: often used as a food supplement.
Medicine
Rating: 3
Bei chai hu root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2,000 years. It is a bitter herb that is used to harmonize the body, balancing the different organs and energies within the body. It strengthens the digestive tract, acts as a tonic for the liver and circulatory system, lowers fevers and has anti-viral effects. The root is alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antipyretic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, haemolytic, hepatic, pectoral, sedative. It is taken internally in the treatment of malaria, blackwater fever, uterine and rectal prolapse, haemorrhoids, sluggish liver, menstrual disorders, abdominal bloating etc. The roots are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried. The root contains saikosides. These saponin-like substances have been shown to protect the liver from toxicity whilst also strengthening its function, even in people with immune system disorders. These saikosides also stimulate the body's production of corticosteroids and increase their anti-inflammatory affect. The plant is often used in preparations with other herbs to treat the side effects of steroids.
Alterative: Causes a gradual beneficial change in the body, usually through improved nutrition and elimination, without having any marked specific action.
Analgesic: Relieves pain.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.
Antiperiodic: Counteracts recurring illnesses such as malaria.
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antiviral: Treats virus diseases
Carminative: Reduces flatulence and expels gas from the intestines.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Emmenagogue: Promotes or increases the menstrual flow. In early stages of pregnancy it can induce an abortion.
Haemolytic: Breaks down red blood corpuscles to separate haemoglobin.
Malaria: Treats malaria - an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites spread to people through the bites of mosquitos.
Pectoral: Relieves respiratory diseases, a remedy for chest diseases.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Other
Rating:
The old plant is used as a fuel.
Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.
How it is grown
An easily cultivated plant, it succeeds in a sunny position in most fertile well-drained soils. This species is closely related to B. falcatum, and is included in that species by some botanists.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 8 weeks at 15°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer or following spring. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be planted direct into their permanent positions. It is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are well rooted before planting them out in the summer.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist