Roots and rhizomesExterior-releasingBupleuri Radix (vinegar-processed)

Cu Chai Hu (Vinegar-processed Chinese Thorowax Root)

醋柴胡 · Cu Chai Hu

Exterior-releasing herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Resolves exterior and reduces fever, spreads liver qi and resolves depression, raises yang qi; vinegar-processed form enhances liver-soothing and pain-relieving action.

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Quick Facts

Latin Name	Bupleuri Radix (vinegar-processed)
Chinese Name & Pinyin	醋柴胡 · Cu Chai Hu
Medicinal Part	Roots and rhizomes
Efficacy Category	Exterior-releasing
Botanical Origin	The dried root of Bupleurum chinense DC. or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. (Apiaceae).
Nature & Flavour	Acrid, Bitter; Slightly cold
Channels Entered	Liver, Gallbladder, Lung

What Is Cu Chai Hu?

Cu Chai Hu (Vinegar-processed Chinese Thorowax Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hebei, Henan, Liaoning, Hubei, Sichuan.

Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter; Slightly cold
Channels Entered: Liver, Gallbladder, Lung

Cu Chai Hu: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Bupleuri Radix (vinegar-processed)

Botanical Origin

The dried root of Bupleurum chinense DC. or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. (Apiaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hebei, Henan, Liaoning, Hubei, Sichuan.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is complete, yellowish-brown, with vinegar odor.

Macroscopic Features

Irregular slices; surface is yellowish-brown, cut surface is pale yellow, often with vinegar odor. Faint odor, taste slightly bitter and astringent.

Traditional TCM Properties

Acrid, Bitter; Slightly coldLiverGallbladderLung

Traditional Functions

Resolves exterior and reduces fever, spreads liver qi and resolves depression, raises yang qi; vinegar-processed form enhances liver-soothing and pain-relieving action.

How Cu Chai Hu Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Cu Chai Hu is classified among the Exterior-releasing herbs. It appears in 2 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Cu Chai Hu are traditionally used for:

Hypochondriac Distension Emotional Depression Poor Appetite Irregular Menstruation Fatigue & Low Energy Bloating Chest Tightness

Classical Formulas Containing Cu Chai Hu

Xiao Yao San

逍遙散

Formula CategoryHarmonising FormulasPrimary PatternQi StagnationPrimary FunctionCourse Liver Qi, tonify Spleen, nourish BloodRelated ConditionsHypochondriac Distension·Emotional Depression·Poor Appetite·Irregular Menstruation

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Chai Hu Shu Gan San

柴胡疏肝散

Formula CategoryQi-Regulating FormulasPrimary PatternQi StagnationPrimary FunctionCourse Liver Qi, regulate Qi, stop painRelated ConditionsHypochondriac Distension·Bloating·Emotional Depression·Chest Tightness

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Herbs Commonly Combined with Cu Chai Hu

Chai Hu Dang Gui Bai Shao Bai Zhu Fu Ling Bo He Sheng Jiang Zhi Gan Cao Xiang Fu Chuan Xiong Zhi Ke Chen Pi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cu Chaihu? Is it the same as raw Chaihu or Bei Chaihu?

Cu Chaihu is the vinegar-fried dried root of Bupleurum chinense or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium, Latin name Bupleuri Radix Praeparata. It is a common Chinese medicine centered on dispersing and reducing fever, soothing the liver and relieving depression, and raising yang qi. Raw Chaihu disperses and reduces fever while relieving depression. Bei Chaihu is related. They cannot be used interchangeably in equal amounts. Prescribe as Cu Chaihu. Caution in liver yang hyperactivity.

What are the composition and effects of Cu Chaihu?

Pharmacopoeial name Cu Chaihu, Latin Bupleurum chinense DC. or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. Pungent and bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature, enters the Liver, Gallbladder and Lung meridians. Functions to disperse and reduce fever, soothe the liver and relieve depression, and raise yang qi. Used for common cold with fever, alternating chills and fever, chest and hypochondriac distending pain, irregular menstruation, uterine prolapse, and prolapse of the rectum. Soothes the liver and relieves depression.

How to choose between raw and processed? Can raw Chaihu replace it?

Root is vinegar-fried. Raw product emphasizes dispersing; vinegar-processing enhances soothing the liver and moderates raising and dispersing, and cannot replace it in equal amounts. Commercial products are standardized; do not adjust arbitrarily.

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Related Products

Nong's Cu Chai Hu (Vinegar-Processed Bupleurum Root) Single Herb 5:1 Concentrated Granules $104.05

Hoi Tin Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $22.15

Nong's Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $50.18

Han's Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $52.70

Hoi Tin Chai Hu Shu Gan San Extract Granules

Hoi Tin Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Hoi Tin Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Nong's Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang Extract Granules

Nong's Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (Bupleurum Liver-Soothing Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $56.60

Han's Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang (Bupleurum Soothing the Liver Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $59.44

Learn More About Cu Chai Hu

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Cu Chai Hu.

Read the Cu Chai Hu Guide →

Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.