Bupleurum, or Chai Hu, is the king of the famous Xiao Chai Hu Tang formula. In Traditional Chinese Medical Theory, illness can take place at varying depths of the body. For example, surface level illness is called Tai Yang Syndrome. If the illness progresses, it will enter the Shao Yang stage before going to its deepest level at Yang Ming. Using herbal medicine, you can prevent illness from progressing deeper. Xiao Chai Hu Tang is perfect for this. It is called the ‘Great Harmonizer’ because it deals with Shao Yang Syndrome, when the illness is “half-interior” and “half-exterior.” This herbal formula works to harmonize the interior and exterior to bring about harmony and relieve typical symptoms such as alternating chills and hot flashes, sensation of hypochondriac pain or distention, a bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, and short temper or mood swings. In TCM Theory, it is said to tonify Qi, strengthen Spleen and Stomach, and harmonize the Liver and Gall Bladder.