(Minor Bupleurum Decoction)

This formula comes from Zhang Zhong-jing’s late Han dynasty Shan Han Lun (Treatise on Damage [due to] Cold). Our version is a 10:1 powdered extract in 500mg gelatin capsules.

Rx:

Functions
Harmonizes the constructive and defensive, the liver and spleen, liver and stomach, stomach and spleen, and stomach and intestines; also transforms phlegm and eliminates dampness

Indications
This is the classical formula for the shao yang aspect of level of externally contracted wind evils such as a common cold after several days with alternating fever and chills, dry throat, a bitter or sour taste in the mouth, irritability, fatigue, chest and ductal oppression and fullness, nausea and vomiting, and/or poor appetite. However, it may also be used for any chronic disease associated with a liver-spleen disharmony with heat in the lungs, liver-gallbladder, stomach, and/or intestines. Some diseases which commonly manifest this multi-pattern presentation include malaria, renal colic, cholecystitis, acute rheumatic fever, gastro-esophageal reflux disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, epidemic mumps, lymphadenitis, acute viral hepatitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, bronchitis, and postpartum fever. 

Contraindications
Use with care in cases with headache and dizziness if taken long-term. Also use with care in cases of ascendant hyperactivity of liver yang, upward flaming of liver fire, or yin vacuity with internal heat.

Signs & symptoms of liver depression qi stagnation include:

• Irritability

• A bowstring pulse

• Rib-side pain

• Sighing

• Chest oppression

Signs & symptoms of spleen qi vacuity include:

• Fatigue

• Lack of strength

• A swollen tongue with teeth-marks on its edges

• Possible cracks in the center of the tongue

• A forceless, possibly fine pulse

Signs & symptoms of damp heat in the stomach and intestines include:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea with foul-smelling stools

• Thick, slimy yellow tongue fur

• A rapid, slippery pulse

Signs & symptoms of stomach heat include:

• A large appetite and rapid hungering

• Dry, bound, constipated stools

• Bad breath

Signs & symptoms of lung heat include:

• Yellow phlegm which may or may not be profuse

Signs & symptoms of liver-gallbladder damp heat include:

• Juandice

Formula explanation
Within this formula, Chai Hu resolves the exterior and courses wind and/or courses the liver and rectifies the qi. Huang Qi clears heat and eliminates dampness. It clears heat from the lungs, liver-gallbladder, stomach, and intestines. Dang Shen, Da Zao, and mix-fried Gan Cao fortify the spleen and supplement the qi. Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang transform phlegm and eliminate dampness, harmonize the stomach and downbear counterflow. Sheng Jiang also resolves the exterior and courses wind, while Sheng Jiang and Gan Cao harmonize and regulate all the other medicinals in the formula.

Dosage
Three capsules two times per day equal not less than 30 grams of bulk medicinals. However, because our extraction process is so much more efficient than stove-top decoction, we believe this amount of extract is actually more like the equivalent of 45-60 grams of bulk-dispensed herbs.