Bò Hé · Field Mint
Bò Hé (薄荷, Field Mint) is a herb of Cool nature and Pungent flavor, in the “Cool Exterior-Releasing” category. Tradition uses it to disperse Wind-Heat, Clear Head and Eyes, Benefit Throat.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Bò Hé
- Characters
- 薄荷
- Botanical name
- Mentha haplocalyx Briq.
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Part used
- Aerial parts
- Nature
- Cool
- Flavor
- Pungent
- Meridians
- Liver, Lung
- Category
- Cool Exterior-Releasing
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- China, Europe
Actions according to tradition
- Disperse Wind-Heat
- Clear Head and Eyes
- Benefit Throat
- Release Rash
Traditional uses
- Early stage wind-heat
- Headache and red eyes
- Sore throat
- Incomplete expression of measles
- Liver Qi stagnation
Studied effects and current applications
- Relieves headaches
- Clears nasal congestion
- Soothes sore throat
- Improves digestion
- Reduces nausea
- Cooling effect
Applications under investigation
- Common cold and flu
- Sinus congestion
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Tension headaches
- Nausea
- Skin rashes
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- GERD (may relax lower esophageal sphincter)
Relative contraindications
- Gallstones
- Hiatal hernia
- Pregnancy
- Peppermint tea generally safe. Avoid therapeutic doses and oil.
- Breastfeeding
- May reduce milk supply. Use cautiously.
- Children
- Avoid in infants. Safe for children over 2 years.
- Older adults
- Generally safe
Possible adverse effects
- Heartburn
- Allergic reactions
- Mouth sores (oil)
- Reduced milk supply (nursing)
When to stop
- GERD symptoms worsen
- Nursing with low milk supply
- Heartburn
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antacids and GI medications | PPIs, H2 blockers | Mild | Menthol may affect GI motility and drug absorption Take 2 hours apart from antacids |
| CYP3A4 substrates | Various medications | Mild | Menthol may mildly affect CYP3A4 enzyme activity Monitor drug levels if on narrow therapeutic index drugs |
Reference dose
- Infusion
- 3-6 grams per cup, 2-3 times daily
- Decoction
- 3-6 grams daily (add last 2-3 min)
- Extract
- As per label
- Acute use
- 3-7 days
- Chronic use
- 1-2 weeks
- Maximum
- Short-term use for acute conditions
- Children
- Gentle, safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Steep 3-6g in boiling water 5-10 min. Add last when in formulas.
Wind-heat, sore throat, aromatics
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Menthol, menthone and monoterpene essential oils
Cyclohexanol monoterpene · Local analgesic, antispasmodic, nasal decongestant, antiemetic
TRPM8 receptor agonism (cold), voltage-dependent Na+ channel blockade, intestinal motility inhibition · 30-55% of essential oil
Ketone monoterpene · Antispasmodic, carminative
Gastrointestinal smooth muscle relaxation · 14-32% of essential oil
monoterpene ester · Antispasmodic, acaricide
Acetylcholinesterase inhibition, activity on ion channels · 2-10%
Monoterpenes · aroma modulators; cooling effect
TRPM8 coagonism with menthol · 2-8%
Phenolic acid · Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral
COX inhibition, free radical scavenging · 0.2-0.5% in leaf
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Summer (June-August), multiple annual cuts possible
Aerial parts harvested when the plant is in full bloom and the menthol content is maximum. The cut is made 5-10 cm from the ground. In temperate climates 2-3 crops are obtained per year.
Aerial parts cut, tied into bundles and dried in the shade (NOT direct sun, which degrades the essential oil). Drying at a temperature below 40°C to preserve menthol and menthone. Very woody material is discarded.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
