Sickle-Leaved Hare's Ear

There are about 100 species of annuals, perennials, and the occasional evergreen shrub in this genus, distributed through Europe, temperate Asia, and N America. A few species are grown for foliage and flowers. The common name "thorow-wax" is the Old English for "through grow", and refers to the perfoliate leaves that are characteristic of many species. Bupleurum falcatum was first mentioned in Chinese medicinal texts c.CE200, and is widely sold as a liver tonic in China and Japan.

Slender perennial with a woody rootstock, hollow stems, obovate basal leaves, and narrow stem leaves. Umbels of tiny yellow flowers are borne from mid-summer to autumn.

Common Name:	Sickle-leaved Hare's Ear
Botanical Name:	Bupleurum falcatum syn. B. scorzoneraefolium, B. chinense
Genus:	Bupleurum
Family:	Apiaceae
Native Location:	S, C, and E Europe, Asia
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in full sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown in spring; by division in spring.
Harvest:	Roots are lifted in autumn and used fresh, or dried for decoctions.
Height:	30cm-1m (1-3ft)
:Width	30-60cm (12-24in)
Hardiness:	Z4-9
Parts Used:	Rooths (chai hu)
Properties:	A bitter herb that acts as a tonic for the liver and circulatory system, lowers fevers, and has anti-inflammatory and anti-viral effects.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for blackwater fever, malaria, uterine and rectal prolapse, herpes simplex, hemmorhoids, sluggish liver associated with emotional instability, menstrual disorders, dizziness, and abdominal bloating. Often used raw with wine for feverish illnesses, with vinegar as a circulatory stimulant, with Glycyrrhiza spp. (see licorice) to improve liver function, or mixed with tortoise blood for malaria.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 148