Menthae Herba
Aliases：Fan He Cai, Nan Bo He, Sheng Yang Cao, Bo He
Boheye (Peppermint Leaf), a Chinese medicinal, is the leaf of Mentha haplocalyx Briq. or cultivated mint (family Lamiaceae).
Efficacy & Actions
Disperse wind-heat, clear and benefit the head and eyes, relieve sore throat, promote eruption, and soothe the liver to move qi.
Indications
Wind‑heat common cold, early‑stage warm‑febrile disease, headache, red eyes, throat impediment (sore throat), oral sores, rubella (urticaria), measles, chest and hypochondriac distension, food stagnation with qi distension, toothache, sores and scabies, and urticaria (skin rash).
Modern Pharmacology
Diaphoretic (sweat‑inducing) and antipyretic (fever‑reducing): Stimulates the central nervous system, dilates skin capillaries, promotes sweat gland secretion, and increases heat dissipation. Anti‑inflammatory and antibacterial: Menthol inhibits various bacteria and fungi and helps relieve itching caused by insect bites. Analgesic and antipruritic (itching relief): Topical application stimulates cold receptors on nerve endings, producing a cooling sensation, and exerts local anesthetic and antipruritic effects. Expectorant and antitussive (cough‑relieving): Menthol stimulates the secretion of respiratory mucus, thins sputum for easier expectoration, and has a cough‑suppressing effect. Antispasmodic: Relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle; can be used to relieve stomach pain and abdominal distension. Choleretic: Promotes bile secretion and excretion. Anti‑implantation and anti‑early pregnancy: Animal studies have shown anti‑fertility activity (contraindicated during pregnancy).
Ingredients
Volatile oils: Menthol, menthone, isomenthone, limonene, etc. Flavonoids: Hesperidin, isoflavone glycosides, etc. Phenolic acids: Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, etc. Others: Vitamin C, carotene, various amino acids and trace elements.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–6 g in decoction. When used in a decoction, it should be added later (near the end) – do not decoct for a prolonged period to prevent the loss of volatile active components. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed and applied topically to the affected area, or decocted for washing, or crushed to extract juice for smearing.
Contraindications
Pregnancy / lactation: Use with caution during pregnancy; breastfeeding women should not use in large amounts. Constitution contraindications: Contraindicated in cases of yin deficiency with blood dryness, liver yang hyperactivity, and exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating. Precautions for use: Avoid excessive or long‑term use, as it may consume qi. When used in a decoction, it should be added later (at the end of decoction) and not decocted for a prolonged period. Avoid consuming large amounts in the evening, as it may affect sleep.
Selected Formulas
1. For clearing upper energizer, transforming phlegm, relieving throat and diaphragm, and treating wind‑heat (Jianbian Danfang) Grind peppermint into fine powder, mix with refined honey to form pills the size of qianshi (Euryale seed). Take one pill by mouth and let it dissolve slowly. May also be mixed with white sugar. 2. For red and eroded eyelid margins (Mingmu Jingyan Fang) Soak peppermint in fresh ginger juice overnight, dry in the sun, and grind into fine powder. For each use, take 3 g (one qian), steep in boiling water, and wash the affected area. 3. For scrofula forming nodules, pain, rupture with persistent purulent discharge, regardless of duration (Sheng Hui Fang – Bohe Wan) Take one large bunch (bowl‑sized) of shade‑dried peppermint and ten sheaths of zaojia (Gleditsia sinensis, 30 cm long, non‑moth‑eaten), remove black outer skin, coat with vinegar, and roast until burnt yellow. Crush together, soak in one dou (approx. 10 L) of wine for three nights, then take out and sun‑dry. Repeat the soaking three times until the wine is used up. Bake dry, grind into powder, and mix with cooked rice to form pills the size of wuzi (Chinese waxberry seeds). Take 20 pills before meals with Astragalus decoction; half dose for children. 4. For wind‑qi itching (Yonglei Qianfang) Take equal amounts of large peppermint leaves and cicada slough (chantui), grind into powder. Take 3 g (one qian) each time with warm wine. 5. For bloody dysentery (Pu Ji Fang) Use peppermint leaves alone, decoct in water and drink. 6. For persistent nosebleed (Benshi Fang) Drop peppermint juice into the nostril; or boil dried peppermint in water, wrap in cotton, and insert into the nostril. 7. For bee or scorpion stings (Meng Shen – Bixiao Fang) Apply fresh peppermint leaf directly to the sting site. 8. For fire‑toxin sores, especially on both thighs with weeping fluid (Yi Shuo) Decoct peppermint to a strong liquid and apply frequently to the affected area. 9. For ear pain (Mindong Bencao) Squeeze fresh peppermint to extract juice and drop into the ear canal.
Daily Consumption
Peppermint Tea: Take 3–6 g of dried peppermint leaves (or 5–10 g of fresh leaves), steep in hot water at about 80°C, cover and let infuse for 5 minutes before drinking. Honey or rock sugar may be added. Action: Disperses wind‑heat, refreshes the mind, and relieves throat discomfort. Peppermint Congee: Take 10–15 g of fresh peppermint leaves, decoct in water and extract the juice. Add the juice to cooking Japonica rice congee just before it is done, then simmer briefly. Action: Clears summer heat, relieves heat‑stroke, and stimulates appetite. Cold Peppermint Salad: Wash and chop fresh peppermint leaves, mix with cucumber or other vegetables, and season with light soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Action: Promotes digestion, refreshes the palate, and provides a cooling effect. Peppermint Lemon Water: Place fresh peppermint leaves and lemon slices in cold boiled water, gently press the leaves to release their aroma. Drink without adding sugar. Action: Relieves summer heat, quenches thirst, and supplies vitamin C.
Medicinal Parts
aerial part (mainly stems and leaves)
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light, in an airtight container, and keep away from moisture to prevent loss of aroma.