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Field Mint

Field Mint (박하, 薄荷) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a wind-releasing herb. Its nature is warm (later texts: cool) and its taste pungent, bitter, associated with the Lung, Liver meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include disperses wind-heat, clears the head and eyes, relieves headache. Caution: Traditionally avoided in spontaneous sweating from weak exterior qi or in the absence of true wind-heat, since its strongly dispersing nature can overtax a weak constitution.

박하 (薄荷) · Mentha canadensis L.
Wind-releasing herb Warm (later texts: cool) Pungent, bitter Lung, Liver
NatureWarm (later texts: cool)
TastePungent, bitter
MeridiansLung, Liver
Part usedStem and leaf
FamilyLamiaceae
CategoryWind-releasing herb
Find by concern: HeadacheFatigue

Overview

Field mint bridges the vegetable garden and the medicine cabinet in Korean tradition, eaten fresh as a vegetable while also serving as the herb classically credited with 'clearing the head and eyes' better than almost any other. The Donguibogam notes it as a rising herb that carries other medicines upward and outward.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性溫, 味辛苦, 無毒. 能引諸藥入榮衛, 發毒汗, 療傷寒頭痛.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste pungent and bitter, and it is non-toxic. It can lead the other medicines into the nutritive and defensive qi, provoke a cleansing sweat, and treat cold-damage headache.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Disperses wind-heat
  • Clears the head and eyes
  • Relieves headache
  • Carries other herbs upward and outward

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Headache with wind-heat
  • Red, tired eyes
  • Early-stage cold with fever
  • General fatigue and heaviness

Traditional preparation

Added near the end of boiling to preserve its volatile aromatics; also eaten fresh as a vegetable or brewed as tea.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

Cautions

Caution: Traditionally avoided in spontaneous sweating from weak exterior qi or in the absence of true wind-heat, since its strongly dispersing nature can overtax a weak constitution. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is field mint really eaten as a vegetable?

Yes — the Donguibogam notes it was grown in gardens and eaten fresh or pickled, alongside its use as a medicinal herb, much like perilla or watercress in other traditions.

What does 'clearing the head and eyes' mean?

A classical phrase describing mint's cooling, uplifting action on headache, eye redness, and mental fog — later sources specifically praised it as 'foremost' for this purpose among common herbs.

Sources

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