Zhao Xin, Tian, majoring in eight-year Chinese medicine in Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Mentha haplocalyx is a commonly used Chinese medicine in clinic, which comes from the newly revised Materia Medica and is based on the leaves and stems of mint, a perennial herb in Labiatae. Mint is pungent and cool, which is a good medicine to disperse wind and heat. Mentha haplocalyx belongs to lung and liver meridians, and has the effects of dispelling wind and heat, clearing the head, relieving sore throat and itching, and penetrating rash. Clinically, it can be used to treat exterior syndrome of wind-heat and defensive syndrome of epidemic febrile diseases, dizziness, headache, red eyes and tears, itchy throat and skin caused by wind-heat and is also a common drug for treating measles initial eruption.
In addition, mint also plays an important role in soothing the liver and relieving depression, promoting qi circulation and harmonizing the middle energizer. For example, Xiaoyao Powder in the local prescription of Taiping Huimin Mixture is to add a little mint to soothe the liver and relieve depression, so as to enhance the efficacy of Bupleurum in soothing the liver and regulating qi. Clinical application of mint, decoction, the general dosage is 3- 10g. Because mint is rich in fragrance and volatile oil, the decocting time should not be too long. Therefore, it is suggested to add mint to the decoction before adding it.
As we all know, the main component of essential balm is peppermint, so why does peppermint oil always feel cold when used externally? That's because peppermint oil can stimulate peripheral nerves, the cold receptors of peripheral nerves, and after being stimulated, it will produce a cold feeling, which is why balm will have a cool feeling.