Bupleurum Root which belongs to the Umbelliferae botanical family.

This herb is mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the most ancient Compendium of Chinese Materia Medica.
The parts of the plant which are used are the roots or whole plant

Class: Release the Exterior
Subclass: Pungent and Cool Formulas
Name:
Pinyin: Chai Hu
Pharmaceutical: Pungent and Cool Formulas
Other names: Ruan Chai Hu, Ying Chai Hu
Description: Bupleurum Root.
Properties:
Nature: Slightly cold.
Taste: Bitter.
Organ: Pericardium, Liver, Triple Burner, Gall-Bladder.
Toxicity: Non toxic.
Actions:
Regulates Heat.
Clears Heat.
Clears Heat.
Drains the Liver and resolves depression and stagnation.
Raises Yang Qi.
Comparisons:
Bo He releases perverse from the Exterior.
Gui Zhi releases perverse from the Exterior.
Jing Jie releases perverse from the Exterior.
Ma Huang releases perverse from the Exterior.
Warning:
Contraindications: Ascendant Liver-Yang.
Yin Deficiency.