Peppermint ( 薄荷 ) ...Chinese Herb...

Latin Plant Name

Mentha Arvensis

Pinyin Mandarin Name

Bo He

Common English Name

Peppermint

Part of Plant Used

Whole plant

Nature

Cooling

Taste

Acrid, aromatic

Meridians Entered

Liver, Lungs

Common Usages

This herb is used in formulas to treat sore throats, skin ailments on the upper body, itching, rashes, measles, pinkeye (conjunctivitis), and headache; may also be used to treat some menstrual imbalances, with the sensation of pressure in the sides of the ribs, and emotional instability (TCM: stagnant Liver Qi).

Traditional Usages and Functions

Disperses wind heat; clears head and eyes and benefits throat; encourages rashes to surface; allows constrained Liver Qi to flow freely.

Common Formulas Used In

Bupleurum and Tang Gui; Cnidium and Tea; Hex and Evodia; Lonicera and Forsythia.

Processing Required

-

Remarks

When preparing as a tea, add to liquid during the last few minutes of boiling.

Cautions in Use

Do not use where there is a deficient exterior imbalance, or where there is deficient Yin with heat.



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