Bupleurum chinense / CHAI HU / Thorowax Root

Botanical Name – Blupeurum chinense

Chinese Name – CHAI HU

English Name – Thorowax Root

Bupleurum chinense is a perennial plant from the Apiaceae family and grows to approximately 1 m by 0.6 m. It is native to East Asia.

It flowers from July to October and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and are pollinated by insects. The plant is self-fertile.

The leaves of the plant are long and thin and resemble fennel. It prefers soils and prefers dry or moist, well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.

The root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2,000 years.