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Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba)
Pungent, bitter, warm, non-toxic. Primarily treats the need for sweating in cases of Zefeng (Evil Wind) and Shanghan (Cold Damage), expels malignant qi, resolves fullness and distension in the heart and abdomen, treats Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome), digests retained food, and directs Qi downward.
Decocted juice can be taken orally; it is also suitable for raw consumption. People cultivate it; drinking its juice induces sweating and greatly relieves fatigue and weakness.
The Annotation of Tang Bencao states: The stems and leaves resemble Ren (Perilla frutescens) but are sharper and longer; the rhizomes do not die in winter, and there are also creeping varieties with similar functions. (This entry was previously attached in Tang Bencao). Minister Yuxi and others verified according to Yaoxing Lun: Bohe acts as a guiding herb. It can disperse stagnant Qi, induce sweating to expel toxins, break blood stasis, stop dysentery, and unblock joints. It is particularly suitable when prepared as a pickle with Xie (Allium macrostemon). Persons who have just recovered from illness should not consume it, as it may cause continuous deficiency sweating. Chen Shiliang stated: Huba (Hutubohe / Mentha haplocalyx var. heterophylla) can guide other herbs into the Ying and Wei levels, treat Yin-Yang Du (Poison), headache due to Shanghan, and govern Fengqi (Wind pathogen) obstructing and attacking the chest and diaphragm. Taken as tea, it yields immediate results. Commonly called Xinluoba. Rihua Zi stated: It treats aphonia due to Zhongfeng (Wind Stroke), expectoration, dispels Zefeng, treats abdominal distension, directs Qi downward, eliminates retained food, and addresses Toufeng (Head Wind).
Tu Jing states: Bohe's place of origin was not recorded in older texts, but it is now found everywhere. The stems and leaves resemble Ren but are sharper and longer; the roots survive the winter. Stems and leaves are harvested in summer and autumn and dried in the sun. In ancient prescriptions: rarely used, or eaten as a minced pickle with Xie. In recent times, physicians often cultivate it to treat Shangfeng (Wind-Cold injury), Tounao Feng (Head Wind), Tong Guan Ge (Obstruction of the upper and lower Jiao), and Xiao'er Feng Xian (Pediatric Wind-Phlegm). There is also Hutubohe, which is similar but distinguished by a slightly sweet taste. It grows in the Jiang-Zhe region, where locals call it Luobohe. Monasteries near the capital also plant one or two plants. The "Qian Cao" mentioned in Tianbao Fang refers to this. Shimobohe grows on rocks in southern Jiangnan; its leaves are minute and turn purple in winter. This variety is not known to have other special functions. Persons who have just recovered from severe illness must not consume Bohe. In character dictionaries, it is written as Ba.
Shiliao states: Neutral in nature. Relieves fatigue, harmonizes with Xie. Induces sweating and unblocks joints. Crushed juice taken internally clears Wind-Heat from the Heart. Waitai Miyao states: Treats bee stings. Apply a paste externally; the condition heals. Jingyan Fang states: Treats water entering the ear. Instill the juice; immediate effect. Shiyi Xinjing states: Decoct Douchi (Fermented Soybean) soup, mix with warm wine for drinking, or decoct as tea, or eat raw.
Yanyi states: Bohe is commonly called Nanbohe (Southern Mint) because there is a type called Longnao Bohe (Camphor Mint), so "Nan" is added to distinguish them. For pediatric Jingfeng (Convulsive Disorder) and high fever, this herb is necessary to guide medication. Cats become intoxicated after eating it, due to mutual attraction of natures. To treat Gu Zheng Re Lao (Bone-steaming Consumption Fever), use its juice boiled with other herbs to make an ointment.