Library

Dispersing, releasing the exterior, dispelling cold.
Pungent in flavor enters the Qi level; purple in color enters the Blood level. Fragrant and warm to dispel cold, unblocks the Heart and benefits the Lungs, opens the Stomach and enriches the Spleen (fragrant Qi enters the Stomach), induces sweating and releases the muscle layer, harmonizes the Blood and directs Qi downward, broadens the Middle Jiao and transforms phlegm, expels wind and calms wheezing, stops pain and calms the fetus, benefits the Large and Small Intestines, and resolves fish and crab toxicity. Excessive consumption depletes true Qi (Shizhen said: combined with Chenpi [Tangerine Peel] and Sharen [Amomum Fruit], it moves Qi and calms the fetus; combined with Huoxiang [Patchouli] and Wuyao [Lindera Root], it warms the Middle and stops pain; combined with Xiangfu [Cyperus Rhizome] and Mahuang [Ephedra], it induces fever to release the muscle layer; combined with Xiong [Ligusticum Rhizome] and Danggui [Angelica Sinensis], it harmonizes and disperses Blood; combined with Jiegeng [Platycodon Root] and Zhike [Aurantii Fructus], it benefits the diaphragm and broadens the intestines; combined with Bobo [Radish Seed] and Xingren [Apricot Seed], it transforms phlegm and calms wheezing; combined with Mugua [Chaenomeles Fruit] and Houpo [Magnolia Bark], it disperses warmth and resolves summerheat to treat cholera and Hong Kong foot]).
Those with fragrant Qi are of superior quality. Suitable to be paired with Jupi [Tangerine Peel]. Avoid eating with Carp.
Suzi [Perilla Seed] has the same efficacy as the leaves. It moistens the Heart and Lungs, and is particularly effective in directing Qi downward and calming wheezing, stopping cough and transforming phlegm, benefiting the diaphragm and broadening the intestines, warming the Middle and resolving stagnation (there is Suzi Jiangqi Tang [Perilla Seed Decoction for Directing Qi Downward]).
Sugeng [Perilla Stem] directs Qi downward slightly more slowly, making it suitable for those with deficiency (Ye [Leaves] induce sweating and dispel cold; Geng [Stems] smooth Qi and calm the fetus; Zi [Seeds] direct Qi downward, resolve stagnation, transform phlegm, and calm wheezing. Those with weak exterior and deficient Qi should avoid using Ye [Leaves]; those with slippery bowels and deficient Qi should avoid using Zi [Seeds]). Use after stir-frying and grinding.

Light and clear, dispersing, dispelling wind-heat.
Pungency can disperse; coolness can clear (The Classic states it is warm, implying its nature is warm but its function is cool); ascending and floating properties can induce sweating. It searches Liver Qi and suppresses excessive Lung Qi, dissipates wind-heat, and clears and benefits the head and eyes.
Treats headache and cephalalgia due to wind, stroke with aphasia, phlegm-cough with foul breath, slurred speech and tongue coating (for gargling), diseases of the eyes, ears, throat, and teeth (pungent and fragrant to open orifices and dispel wind-heat), skin urticaria, scrofula, sores, and scabies, fright-heat (all pediatric medicines for treating fright should be mixed with Bohe Tang [Mint Decoction]), bone-steaming fever. Breaks blood stasis and stops dysentery (can treat bloody dysentery. Bloody dysentery involves stagnation; pungency disperses, coolness clears). Those with deficiency should not take it in excess (it induces sweating and releases the exterior; taking too much in summer depletes Yuan Qi [Original Qi]).
Bohe [Mint] produced in Suzhou with fragrant Qi is of superior quality (Bohe [Mint] is the "wine" of cats; Dog is the "wine" of tigers; Centipede is the "wine" of chickens; Mulberry fruit is the "wine" of doves; Mangcao [Dichroa Root] is the "wine" of fish; consuming any of these causes intoxication. For injuries caused by cats, apply Bohe juice).