Near Rose Bay
Josephine holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (UTS). She is a member of FCMA and ACCMA, and is registered with AHPRA as a Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner.
Chai Hu, the root of Bupleurum chinense (or B. scorzonerifolium), is one of the most important herbs for treating Liver Qi stagnation and alternating fever-chills conditions. Bitter and acrid in flavour, cool in temperature, it enters the Liver, Gallbladder, and Pericardium meridians. Chai Hu's primary therapeutic action is "soothing the Liver and resolving depression" — meaning it promotes the smooth flow of Liver Qi, which in turn benefits emotional wellbeing, digestion, and menstrual regularity.
Chai Hu serves three key functions: resolving Shao Yang (half-exterior, half-interior) patterns characterised by alternating chills and fever, bitter taste, and rib-side discomfort; coursing the Liver and relieving Qi stagnation for emotional depression, irritability, and menstrual irregularity; and raising Yang Qi to treat organ prolapse and chronic diarrhoea (in combination with Huang Qi). It is the sovereign herb in two of TCM's most famous formulas: Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) for Shao Yang patterns, and Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) for Liver Qi stagnation with Blood deficiency and Spleen weakness.
Different preparation methods modify Chai Hu's action: raw Chai Hu (Sheng Chai Hu) is best for releasing the exterior and reducing fever; vinegar-processed Chai Hu (Cu Chai Hu) enhances its Liver-soothing action and is preferred for Liver Qi stagnation. Standard dosage is 3 to 12 grams. Higher doses (up to 12g) are used for releasing the exterior, while lower doses (3-6g) are used for raising Yang Qi. Chai Hu should be used cautiously in Yin-deficient patients or those with Liver Yang rising, as its ascending nature can exacerbate headaches and dizziness in these conditions.
Chai Hu (Bupleurum) is primarily used for Liver Qi stagnation (emotional depression, irritability, rib-side pain, menstrual irregularity), alternating fever-chills conditions, and raising sunken Yang Qi. It is the key herb in Xiao Yao San and Xiao Chai Hu Tang — two of the most frequently prescribed formulas in TCM.
Chai Hu is generally safe when used in appropriate formulas and doses under professional guidance. However, it has an ascending, dispersing nature that can deplete Yin over time — patients with Yin deficiency or Liver Yang rising should use it cautiously. It is usually combined with Yin-nourishing or descending herbs in formulas to balance its action.
Josephine Zhuo (TCM) is an AHPRA registered health practitioner — acupuncturist and herbalist.
Book OnlineOr call to make a booking
Root-cause diagnosis for each patient's body constitution and health condition.
All seasons of women's health, from menarche through pregnancy to menopause.
AHPRA registered. Individualised care through acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Acupuncture, cupping, moxa and herbal medicine used in combination.
All information on this website is provided as general health information. While we have exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of the material contained on this website, the information on the site is made available on the basis it does not constitute providing professional medical advice on a particular matter. This website is not a substitute for independent and separate professional medical advice. Nothing contained in this site is intended to be used for specific diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any symptoms, diseases or conditions, nor should it be a substitute for your own health professional's advice. We do not accept any liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred by use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
Book your appointment with Josephine Zhuo today