9Chinese Mint Aboveground Parts

Chinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Cooling and Normal Perspiration RegulationChinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he), also known as Mentha haplocalyx or "field mint," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried aerial parts (leaves and stems) of this ancient mint plant. This highly aromatic, cooling herb has been part of traditional TCM for over 2000 years and is particularly known for its ability to support normal temperature balance, stimulate normal perspiration and drive wind-heat from the body – making it an ideal choice for people with colds, fevers, headaches and superficial inflammation.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, chinese-mint-aboveground-parts (Bo-he) is described as an acrid, aromatic herb with a cool character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Lung (Long) and Liver meridians. According to this traditional description, chinese-mint-aboveground-parts (Bo-he) supports the "outward dispersal" of superficial disease patterns and promotes normal temperature control and normal sweat flow – which is traditionally used to drive out "wind-heat."Chinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) is seen as one of the strongest "cooling" herbs in TCM – which helps carry excess body heat away and promote normal circulation of body fluids. It is traditionally used to support normal cold and flu comfort, ease superficial headaches, support normal throat health and promote normal eye and sinus health.Botanical Composition and ResearchChinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) contains over 50 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Menthol (up to 50% of essential oil) – the primary cooling-acting componentMenthone (up to 30%) – aromatic componentLimonene – antioxidant and antimicrobialRosmarinic acid – strong anti-inflammatory polyphenolLinarin – flavonoid with neuroprotective actionCarvone and other terpenes – antimicrobial actionFlavonoids (apigenine, luteoline, quercetin)Polyphenols (protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid)Essential oils and volatile componentsModern scientific research shows that chinese-mint-aboveground-parts (Bo-he) extracts can offer diverse benefits:Cooling and cooling action: Menthol and menthone activate normal cold receptors in skin and mucous membranes, providing a natural cooling effect. This supports normal body temperature and normal perspiration.Anti-inflammatory action: Rosmarinic acid and linarin can help maintain normal inflammation balance and can provide support for normal inflammation response.Antimicrobial activity: Menthol, limonene and other terpenes possess demonstrated antimicrobial action against various bacteria, viruses and fungi – which can provide support for normal defense.Supportive action for normal respiration: Menthol can help promote normal airway opening and support normal respiratory comfort.Normal digestion support: Menthone and other components can support normal digestive comfort and promote normal gastro-intestinal function.Normal headache support: Studies suggest that menthol applied topically can help support normal tension-related headaches.Antioxidant activity: chinese-mint-aboveground-parts (Bo-he) contains strong antioxidants that provide protection against free radicals.Neuroprotective action: Linarin and other flavonoids can support normal nerve function and normal mental clarity.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, chinese-mint-aboveground-parts (Bo-he) is classically used in situations described as:Cold or flu with wind-heat character (fever, headache, sore throat)Supporting normal temperature regulation and normal perspirationHeadache or migraine, especially at the front of the head or around the eyesRed, irritated eyes or supporting normal eye comfortNormal throat health and normal throat comfortNormal sinus pressure and normal sinus comfortRash or supporting normal skin healthNormal digestive comfort and normal abdominal comfortPromoting normal heart rest and mental claritySupporting normal liver Qi circulationThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Cooling and Dispersing CharacterChinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) is traditionally seen as a very strong "cooling" and "outward-dispersing" herb – which helps carry superficial heat away and promote normal body circulation. This makes it particularly suitable for people with a tendency toward fever, headaches or superficial heat symptoms.Classical Formulas and ApplicationsChinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) is traditionally used very frequently in:Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Formula) – classical cold/flu formulaXiao Yao San (Free Wanderer Formula) – for normal liver Qi circulationQing Xin Li Ge Tang (Clear the Heart and Drain the Bowels)Ju Hua Tang – for normal eye healthTwo Preparation Forms:Bo He Ye (fresh leaves): stronger, more refreshingBo He Jing (concentrated extract): better shelf lifeVery Safe ProfileChinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) is known as one of the safest TCM herbs. It is suitable for daily use, for children and pregnant women (with modest dosage). It is also excellent as tea.Seasonality and Daily UseChinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) fits particularly well in warm seasons and periods of fever or heat sensation. It is also ideal as a preventive herb at the beginning of cold season.Well-being and Daily UseChinese Mint Aboveground Parts (Bo-he) is valued by modern users as part of a conscious wellness routine aimed at normal temperature balance, normal perspiration regulation, normal eye and throat health and normal mental clarity, especially when they have fever, sleep poorly due to heat or wish to support their normal defenses. The herb works optimally in tea, in water, in inhalations or as essential oil application, combined with regular movement and adequate fluid intake.Many users see chinese-mint-aboveground-parts (Bo-he) as part of a daily health practice – as a fresh, cooling intervention for normal temperature balance and normal health, alongside professional guidance and regular medical care when needed.CAUTION: LACTATIONNursing mothers should use caution with chinese-mint-aboveground-parts (Bo-he), as menthol in high doses can affect milk production. Light use is generally considered safe.Important Note for the ConsumerThis product is a dietary supplement and can also be used as a tea or culinary herb. TCM terms such as Wind-Heat, Cooling and External Dispersal are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine. If you have persistent fever, serious throat or eye problems, you should always consult a doctor or health expert.