What it is
Chai Hu (Bupleurum) is a traditional Chinese medicine herb used to support liver detoxification pathways and promote the smooth flow of liver qi. It is available in capsule form for adult use.
Supplement · Liver & Hepatoprotective
Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
sluggish-detoxificationfatigueskin-breakouts liverkidneylymphatic system
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How it works
Bupleurum root contains saikosaponins which are believed to modulate liver enzyme activity and support bile flow, aiding in the elimination of toxins. Its action on liver qi may also influence mood regulation.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address sluggish detox, fatigue, skin breakouts. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results from Chai Hu?
Detoxification markers typically show measurable changes within 4-8 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can Chai Hu be combined with other supplements?
Yes, Chai Hu can be layered into broader protocols. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
Are there any common side effects?
Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses, but mild gastrointestinal upset may occur when first starting the supplement.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
B · B · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for liver detoxification and elimination
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Chai Hu (Bupleurum) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Chai Hu (Bupleurum)
Chai Hu (Bupleurum) is a liver & hepatoprotective supplement used to support liver detoxification and elimination. Bupleurum root for liver-qi, mood and detox. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a tcm-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Chai Hu (Bupleurum) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-8 weeks for detox markers. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Chai Hu (Bupleurum) carries an evidence grade of B in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting good-but-limited human evidence for liver detoxification and elimination. Bupleurum root for liver-qi, mood and detox. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-8 weeks for detox markers, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address sluggish detox, fatigue, skin breakouts. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Liver & Hepatoprotective category, Chai Hu (Bupleurum) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
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