Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior
Bo He 薄荷
Herba Menthae Haplocalycis Field Mint, Mentha
Also known as Su Bo He
✓ CALE Exam ✓ National Exam
Materia Medica Data
- Temperature
- Cool
- Nature & Flavour
- Spicy, Aromatic, Cool
- Channels Entered
- LU, LIV
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Herba Menthae Haplocalycis
- Chinese
- 薄荷
- Tone Marks
- bò he
- Also Known As
- Su Bo He
Chinese Herb 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.
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 1.5-6 grams. Add to the decoction in the last 5 minutes.
- Part used: leaves or whole herb.
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Caution in cases of exterior deficiency, heat due to Yin Deficiency, and nursing mothers, as this herb may lead to insufficient lactation.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
https://amzn.to/42aMz73
https://amzn.to/3PuD4bt