Individual Herbs Notebook

Ku Bo He

Translation: Bitter Mint

Pharmaceutical: Herba Marrubium
Taxonomy: Marrubium vulgare

Other names: White Horehound

Category: Herbs that Transform Phlegm



Properties: Bitter, Salty, Pungent, Cool

Meridans Entered:
Primary: Lungs, Spleen


Traditional Actions/Indications:
  1. Clears Heat, resolves Phlegm
    Acute or chronic bronchitis, non-productive coughs, whooping cough
    Asthma, wheezing
    Fever, headaches, red eyes, sore throat, sinus congestion,
    Vents rashes
  2. Tonifies and moves Spleen and Stomach Qi
    Weak digestion with loss of appetite
    Indigestion
    bloating, diarrhea, constipation
  3. Subdues Wind, calms tremors and stops spasms
    Tremors, seizures
    Aching joints
    Menstrual cramping

Suggested Daily Dosage: 3-6g in decoction.


Cautions: Horehound helps increase stomach acids that can aid digestion but may be too much for those already dealing with stomach ulcers or gastritis. Not recommended during pregnancy.


Does not appear in any formulae listed on this site
Research Links & References: (click to display)