Single Herb Glossary
Bò Hé 薄荷
Pharmaceutical name | Menthae Haplocalycis Herba field mint |
Category | Cool, Acrid, Release the Exterior |
Key Properties | Dispels Upper Jiao Wind-Heat Cool & clears eyes & head, Soothes throat Facilitates flow of LV Qi Expels turbid filth |
Properties | Acrid Aromatic Cooling |
Tropism | LU, LV |
Actions & Indications | 1) Dispels Wind-Heat, Clears & benefits the Head, Eyes and Throat (Wind heat, fever,cough) 2) Vents rashes (related to Wind Heat) 3) Relieve LV Qi constraint 4) Expels Turbid Filth |
Dosages | 3-6 g; used in last 10 min |
Contraindications (TCM) | Can deplete Qi and Yin Avoid use with debilitated patients with profuse sweating or LV Yang rising |
Contraindications (Western) | |
Chemical Composition | Essential oils 1-3% (menthol, menthane, isomenthol, pulegone, menthenone, neomenthol), lipophilic flavones, coumarins |
Pharmacological Effects | • Dermatologic: topical application increases local blood circulation; produces cool sensation initially, followed by warm sensation; commonly used to relieve itching and pain • Others: antipyretic, diaphoretic and anti-inflammatory effects |
Herb-Drug Interactions | |
Classical Formula(s) |
Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium Powder ) 蒼耳子散 Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San Ligusticum Chuanxiong Powder to be Taken with Gree 川芎茶調散 (川芎茶调散) Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (Sweet Dew Special Pill to Eliminate Toxin) 甘露消毒丹 Liang Ge San (Cool the Diaphragm powder) 涼膈散 Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Drink to Eliminate toxin) 普濟消毒飲 (普济消毒饮) Qing Xin Li Ge Tang (Clear the Heart and Enable the Diaphragm Decoction) 清心利膈湯 Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink) 桑菊飲 Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder) 銀翹散 (银翘散) Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder) 逍遙散 (逍遥散) Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Modified Rambling Powder)加味逍遙散 Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Saposhnikovia powder that sagely unblocks) 防風通聖散 Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang (Modified Solomon's Seal Decoction) 加減葳蕤湯 Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang (Nourish the Yin and Clear the Lungs Decoction) 養陰清肺湯 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.