Its source is from branch and leaf of Mentha haplocalyx Briqi, family Labiata. The producing areas are in all parts of China but the best in quality in Jiangsu province. The medicinal material is collected in summer and autumn, dried in shade, cut into pieces and the crude or fresh form is used for medication. Medicinal Properties Pungent in flavor, cool in nature and attributive to the lung and liver meridians. Actions Expel wind and heat, clear away heat from the head and eye, ease the throat, promote eruption, soothe the liver and disperse stagnation of liver-qi Application 1. For exterior syndrome due to wind and heat or seasonal febrile diseases at the early stage manifested as fever and anhidrosis, slight aversion to wind and cold and headache, it is often combined with Jingjie (Herba Schizonepetae), Jinyinhua (FtosLonicerae), and Lianqiao (Fructus Forsythiae), etc., such as Yin Qiao San (Powder). 2. For the syndrome of wind and heat attacking upwards manifested as headache and redness of eyes, swollen and painful throat, it is used together with Sangye ( Folium Mori), Juhua ( Flos Chrysanthemi) and others that can clear away heat from head and eye. 3. For unsmooth eruption of measles and rubella with itching, it is usually used together with Chantui ( Periostracum Cicadae ), Jingjie ( Herba Schizonepetae), and Niubangzi (Fructus Arctii), etc. so as to promote eruption of measles; it can be combined with Kushen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis ), Baixianpi ( Cortex Dictamni Radicis ), and Fangfeng ( Radix Saposhnikoviae), etc. to expel wind and relieve itching and treat rubella with itching, too. 4. For stagnation of liver-qi, oppressed feeling in the chest and hypochondriac pain, or swollen pain of breast and irregular menstruation, it can be used together with Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Baishaoyao ( Radix Paeoniae Alba) and Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), such as Xiaoyao San (Powder). Usage and Dosage 3 -6 g is used in decoction for oral use and put in decoction later. Notes It is not suitable for spontaneous perspiration due to exterior deficiency.
