Evidence supporting the use of: Mentha haplocalyx
For the health condition: Sinus Infection
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mentha haplocalyx, commonly known as Chinese mint or field mint, is a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is often used for conditions involving the respiratory tract, including sinus infections. In TCM, it is called "Bo He" and is traditionally used to "disperse wind-heat," which encompasses symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, and sore throat—signs often associated with sinus infections. The use of Mentha haplocalyx for sinus infection is primarily based on its reputed cooling and decongestant properties in TCM theory.
There is some laboratory evidence suggesting that mint species possess mild antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant effects, largely due to volatile oils such as menthol. However, these findings are not specific to sinus infections, nor are they robustly demonstrated in clinical trials involving Mentha haplocalyx for this particular indication. Thus, while its use for sinus infection is well-established in traditional practice and supported by anecdotal and empirical use, strong scientific validation is lacking, and the overall evidence remains modest.
In summary, Mentha haplocalyx is used for sinus infection primarily because of traditional beliefs and practices, with some supportive—but limited—preclinical data. Clinical studies directly evaluating its efficacy for sinus infections are scarce or absent, so its use remains mainly tradition-based.
Other ingredients used for Sinus Infection
alpha-pinenebenegut perilla (proprietary)
black pepper
bromelain
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fennel
goldenseal
immunoglobin G
honeysuckle
lactobacillus gasseri
marshmallow
mint
peppermint oil
platycodon root
quercetin
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
wasabia japonica
zinc
mullein
hyssop
cardamom
malabar nut
inula racemosa
anise
pau d'arco
elecampane
sweetgums
Sichuan pepper
sea salt
Anamarrhena
Alpha-terpineol
Asarum heterotropoides
Asafoetida
Andrographis
allyl isothiocyanate
Barleria
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Cineole
Cinidium
Cistus
cypress
Ephedra
Elder
Goldthread
Other health conditions supported by Mentha haplocalyx
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Bronchitis
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Headache (tension)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Pain (general remedies for)
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat
Stress
Wheezing