Bo He

Cool, Pungent Herbs that Release the Exterior

 

Channels: LU, LIV

Properties: Spicy, Aromatic, Cooling

 

Common: Field Mint, Mentha

Latin: Herba Menthae Haplocalycis

 

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:

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

Dosage:

  • 1.5-6g. Add to the decoction in the last 5 minutes. Part used = leaves or whole herb.