Herbal Spotlight: Minor Bupleurum

I love herbs to kick colds and flus before they take hold. We have a few commonly used classic formulas that are used just when you start to get that tickle in your throat. Sometimes we miss the window of initial onset, or the herbs just aren’t enough and we get that cold or flu. When we do get a cold or flu, I still love herbs. This time I love herbs to help shorten the duration and lessen the severity of symptoms. Again, we have some classic formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm so we can get rid of that congestion and quell that fever.

And sometimes we find that the cold or flu just doesn’t want to leave. Maybe it leaves for a few days and then returns. Ahhhh!!!!! But guess what, we have a  formula for that too! Minor Bupleurum is sometimes used for initial onset of cold or flu, especially for folks with weaker constitutions or that may be weaker from giving birth or never fully recovering from their last illness. It can also be used for recurrent symptoms.

I love that the Chinese herbal formulas have such a long and well documented history. In our tool kit, we have about 20 commonly used formulas for cold and flu symptoms alone, dependent on the nuance of your symptoms. Thick, phlegmy cough? Cough that returns every night after dusk? Itchy eyes with congestion? Just plain congestion? We have a formula for that!

Whenever you use herbs, be sure to talk to an experienced practitioner to help you better understand what pattern you are presenting with so you get the formula right for you. I’m happy to help you figure it out.

Interested in booking an herbal consult? Before booking, head over to our herbal consult information page on our website, or click here to jump there now. You can add one onto your next acupuncture appointment, or you can schedule one as a private consultation. Click here to visit our booking site to see which consult best suits your needs and schedule.