Bo He

In China, Bo He is regarded as a prime remedy for superficial "wind-heat" problems - such as feverish colds, irritant skin rashes, or the early stages of flu.

It has been used medicinally for 1,500 years and was listed originally in the Lei Gong Pao Zhi Lun (Grandfather Lei's Discussion of Herb Preparations), which was written by Lei Xiao around AD470.

Field mint is traditionally used in the West to make mint tea and is added to milk to prevent it from curdling. BOTANICAL NAME: Mentha arvensis

COMMON NAME: Field mint

FAMILY: labiatae/lamiaceae

PARTS USED: Aerial parts

TASTE: Pungent

CHARACTER: Cool

MERIDIANS: Liver, lung

ACTIONS: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, induces sweating

TRADITIONAL USES: • disperses wind and heat evils • clears the head and eyes and gives good spirit • encourages the eruption of skin rashes as in measles • disperses stagnant liver Qi and relieves depression

TYPICAL CHINESE DOSE 2-6 grams (7/100 - 1/4 ounce)

COMBINATIONS Used with Lian Qiao, Jin Yin Hua, and other herbs in the classic formula Yin Qiao San, which is a basic remedy for wind-heat syndromes. It is also mixed wilh Ju Hua, Niu Bang Zi, and other herbs to trear headaches and sore eyes associated with wind problems.

CAUTIONS Avoid in yin deficiency and cases of excess liver Qi.

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