Bo He, also known as "Wild Mint Leaves," is a versatile and popular herb used in traditional Chinese medicine and herbalism. This premium grade Bo He is sourced directly from our trusted supplier, known for their high-quality Chinese herbs. Our Herba Menthae is carefully selected and cleaned to ensure purity and potency. It is commonly used for its refreshing and invigorating properties. It is also used for digestive support, particularly for conditions such as bloating, gas, and indigestion. Bo He can also be used to help with respiratory issues, such as sore throat and sinus congestion. This product is suitable for vegetarians and contains no artificial ingredients or fillers.
High Quality Bo He: What does it look like?
High-quality Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx) is a dried herb that is green in color, with a strong, minty aroma. The aroma should be strong, fresh and minty, with a slight sweetness. The leaves should be free of any discoloration, mold, or signs of decay. The texture should be crisp and brittle, indicating that it has been dried properly. When you crush the leaves, you should be able to smell the strong minty aroma. High-quality Bo He should be free from any dust, sand, or other contaminants. It is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine, used to clear heat, relieve toxicity, and promote Qi and blood circulation.
How is Bo He prepared and processed?
Mentha haplocalyx, also known as Chinese mint, is a herb native to China, Japan, and Korea. It prefers a cool, moist and well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) tall, with small, dark green, ovate-shaped leaves and small, white or pink flowers. The leaves and stem are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. It can be found in grasslands, along streams and rivers, and in shaded areas of forests.
Bo He is prepared and processed by first harvesting the fresh mint leaves, then washing and drying them under the sun or in a low-temperature oven. The dried leaves are then stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be used.
The dried leaves can be used to make decoctions, powders, or pills. When making a decoction, the dried leaves are typically simmered for a short period of time and consumed as a tea. Powders and pills are often used as a more convenient form of consumption.
Bo He is a very safe herb to use and it's considered to be one of the most commonly used herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. However, it should be avoided during pregnancy, as it may cause menstrual bleeding.
Popular Recipe for Bo He
A popular recipe for Bo He in TCM is to make a decoction by boiling the fresh or dried leaves in water, which can be consumed as a tea to help alleviate symptoms related to respiratory infections, fever and headaches.
Here is a recipe for preparing a Bo He decoction:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of fresh or dried Bo He (mint) leaves
- 4 cups of water
Instructions:
- Rinse the Bo He leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Add the leaves to a pot and add 4 cups of water.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Let the decoction simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the decoction into a cup or pitcher.
- The decoction can be consumed as a tea, and it can be taken several times a day.
Bo He is also commonly used in Chinese cuisine, it's often used in cold dishes like salads and soups, or it can be added to hot dishes like stir-fries or steamed dishes for a refreshing flavor. It's worth noting that Bo He is considered a medicinal herb and it's important to use it with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. It can have side effects and can interact with other medications, so it's important to consult a professional before using it.
Safety Precautions for the use of Bo He
While it is considered safe when used as directed, there are some general safety precautions to keep in mind when using Bo He:
- Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using Bo He, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any pre-existing medical conditions, such as a history of allergies, asthma, or heart disease.
- Keep Bo He away from children and pets, as it can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts.
- Avoid using Bo He if you have a history of allergic reactions to plants in the Lamiaceae family, which includes mint, basil, and rosemary.
- Bo He may cause skin irritation, so use gloves when handling it or avoiding touching it with bare skin.
- Avoid using Bo He if you are taking medication for blood pressure, blood thinning or sedative drugs, as it may interact with them.
- Bo He should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care. If you experience any adverse reactions, seek immediate medical attention.
It’s important to note that this is a general guideline and it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist to determine the right dosage and usage for you
Additional Information about Bo He
Common Names: Bo He Herb (Mint, Wild Mint Leaves); Mentha haplocalyx Briq; Herba Menthae
Properties: Acrid, Cool
Channels Entered: Lung, Liver
Additional Information: Wild mint is the herb which "menthol" is derived; however, wild mint leaves have a number of essential oils not found in synthetic menthol. Our Bo He is bar-none the highest quality Bo He available to consumers. You will not find this strong of a mint elsewhere!
