Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mentha haplocalyx, commonly known as Chinese mint, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating respiratory ailments, including cough, particularly those described as "spastic" or involving throat irritation and spasms. In TCM, Mentha haplocalyx (bo he) is believed to have cooling and dispersing properties, helping to expel wind-heat from the body, which is often considered a cause of coughs and upper respiratory symptoms. Classical texts and modern TCM pharmacopeias frequently list bo he as an ingredient in herbal formulas for cough, especially when accompanied by sore throat or headache.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited direct clinical evidence specifically evaluating Mentha haplocalyx for spastic cough. However, some pharmacological studies indicate that its volatile oils (notably menthol) exhibit mild antitussive and antispasmodic effects in animal models, and menthol is known to provide a cooling sensation and to modestly suppress cough reflexes in humans. Despite this, robust clinical trials are lacking, and most of the support for its use in cough remains rooted in tradition rather than modern scientific validation. Therefore, while there is a plausible rationale and some pharmacological basis for its traditional use, the evidence rating remains low.

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