Bo He (Field Mint, Mentha)

Submitted by yyh_staff on Mon, 2008-02-18 19:04.
Chinese Name: 
Bo He
English Name: 
Field Mint, Mentha
Functions and Usage: 
  • 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 Groupings (Click for Summary/Study Notes): 
Dosage and Preparation Notes: 
  • Dosage: 1.5-6g (added near the last 5 minutes of the preparation)
Channels Influenced: 
Temperature and Taste Properties: 
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
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.
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  • Jin, Yan Ping: New England School of Acupuncture, CHM Pharmacopoeia I and II, Formulas I and II Lecture Notes

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