"Yin and Yang are opposites"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Bo He (Field Mint, Mentha)

Herb 1 of 12 in Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

Channels:
LU, LIV

Properties:
Spicy, Aromatic, Cool

Latin Name:
Herba Menthae Haplocalycis

Alternate Names

Su Bo He

Actions

Dispels Wind-Heat, Clears the Eyes, Head, and Throat
For common cold due to wind and heat with symptoms of fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and red eyes.
Vents Rashes
For incomplete expression of rashes, especially useful for measles.
Disperses Liver Qi
For constrained Liver Qi patterns with pressure in chest and flanks, gynecological problems, and unstable emotions.

Contraindications and Cautions

Caution in cases of exterior deficiency, heat due to Yin Deficiency, and nursing mothers, as this herb may lead to insufficient lactation.

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Dosage

1.5-6 grams. Add to the decoction in the last 5 minutes.
Part used: leaves or whole herb.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Cang Er Zi San (Xanthium Powder)
Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Head and Neck Symptoms
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Powder to be Taken with Green Tea)
Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Head and Neck Symptoms
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (Ledebouriella Powder that Sagely Unblocks)
Formulas that Release Exterior-Interior Excess
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan (Sweet Dew Special Pill to Eliminate Toxins)
Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat
Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang (Modified Polygonatum Odoratum Decoction)
Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Interior Deficiency
Liang Ge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder)
Formulas that Purge Heat Accumulation
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxins)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity
Ren Shen Bai Du San (Ginseng Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences)
Formulas that Release Exterior Disorders with Interior Deficiency
Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction)
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat
Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder, Free and Easy Wanderer)
Formulas that Regulate and Harmonize the Liver and Spleen
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang (Nourish the Yin and Clear the Lungs Decoction)
Formulas that Enrich the Yin and Moisten Dryness
Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder)
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.