Bo He (Field Mint, Mentha) - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Name: Bo He
English Name: Field Mint, Mentha

Clinical Usage and Indications

  • Expels wind heat particularly from the head region - fever, headaches, red eyes, cough, sore throat.
  • Vents rashes - accelerates the activity of rashes towards the surface to quicken healing.
  • Resolves LV Qi Stagnation - emotional issues, PMS, menstrual issues, pressure in chest or sides of body.

Functional Groups (Click for Summary/Study Notes)

Dosage and Preparation Notes

  • Dosage: 1.5-6g (added near the last 5 minutes of the preparation)

Channels/Meridians Influenced

Associated Temperature and Taste

Cautions and Contraindications

  • May contribute to insufficient lactation in nursing mothers
  • Avoid excessive sweating/use in weak patients or those who sweat easily
  • May injure yin, use caution in yin deficiency patients

Staff Clinician Notes

  • Ju Hua, Sang Ye, Chai Hu - Bo He is the coldest.
  • Quick remedy for liver qi stagnation with wind-heat signs:
  • Classically also used for aching bones from febrile disease.

Herbal Formulas Which Include This Herb

Below you will find Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas which contain this particular herb (in alphabetical order). You may click on the name of the formula for more details or click on any of the products from our store to read usage information or purchase a particular formula.

  • Bao Ji Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Empirical formula for food poisioning.  Also useful for overeating, excessive drinking - over indulgence in general.  Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, belching, reflux, nausea, vomiting, aversion to food, possibly diarrhea.


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  • Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


  • Fang Feng Tong Sheng Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Pian Tou Tong Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Coming Soon...


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  • Yin Qiao Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Common cold, flu, general immunity, fever w/slight or no chills, headache, desire for fluids, cough, sore throat.

    Pulse will be floating and rapid and the Tongue will have a red tip with a thin white or yellow tongue coating.


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