Schizonepeta, Jing Jie: A Versatile Herb for Relieving Colds, Itching, and Bleeding in TCM
Health Lab- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Schizonepeta, known as Jing Jie in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the flower spike of the Schizonepeta tenuifolia plant. This herb is widely used as a surface-relieving remedy to treat colds, skin issues, and bleeding. Its medicinal value has been recognized since ancient times, making it a key component in TCM.
Historical Significance
Schizonepeta was first mentioned in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica), though early texts did not clearly distinguish between the plant and its flower spike.
Over time, herbalists provided detailed descriptions of its properties. In the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen’s Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) documented Schizonepeta’s appearance, taste, and uses, noting that the flower spike is especially effective for dispersing wind.
The Qing Dynasty’s Bencao Beiyao highlighted its ability to “disperse wind and stop bleeding when charred,” emphasizing its unique role in controlling bleeding.
Properties of Schizonepeta
Nature and Meridian Affinity
Taste: Pungent, slightly bitter
Nature: Warm
Meridians: Lung, Liver
Key Components
Schizonepeta contains volatile oils, including schizonepetin and menthone, which contribute to its pharmacological effects.
Main Functions
Disperses wind and relieves the surface: Treats symptoms of colds caused by wind-cold or wind-heat.
Promotes rash eruption and relieves itching: Helps with measles and skin itching.
Stops bleeding: Effective for various bleeding conditions, especially when charred.
Other effects: Promotes sweating, reduces fever, calms the nervous system, stops bleeding, and has antibacterial properties.
Clinical Applications
Schizonepeta is widely used in TCM to address the following conditions:
Dispersing Wind and Relieving the Surface: Its warm, pungent nature helps expel wind-cold or wind-heat, treating cold symptoms like fever, headache, or nasal congestion.
Promoting Rash Eruption and Relieving Itching: It aids in the eruption of measles and relieves itching from conditions like urticaria or eczema.
Stopping Bleeding: When charred, Schizonepeta controls bleeding issues such as nosebleeds, coughing blood, blood in stool, or excessive menstrual bleeding.
Relieving Itching from Wind: It alleviates skin itching caused by wind pathogens.
Schizonepeta in Classic TCM Formulas
Schizonepeta is often combined with other herbs in TCM formulas to enhance its effects. Here are some key examples:
Jing Fang Bai Du San (Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences): Contains Schizonepeta, Saposhnikovia, Notopterygium, and others. It disperses wind-cold and dampness, treating chills, fever, body aches, or heavy limbs caused by external pathogens.
Mazhen Toufa Tang (Measles Eruption Decoction): Includes Schizonepeta, Mint, Burdock Seed, and others. It promotes rash eruption and detoxifies, used for early-stage measles with poor eruption.
Huai Hua San (Sophora Flower Powder): Combines Sophora flower, Arborvitae leaf, Schizonepeta, and others to clear intestinal heat and stop bleeding, treating blood in the stool.
Comparison with Similar Herbs
Schizonepeta shares some functions with other TCM herbs, but each has distinct strengths:
Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng): Stronger in relieving pain and dispersing wind, focusing on pain relief.
Mint (Bo He): More effective at clearing heat and refreshing the head and eyes.
Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye): Better at regulating qi and soothing the stomach, emphasizing qi movement.
Modern Applications and Research
Modern studies have validated Schizonepeta’s traditional uses and uncovered additional benefits:
Fever-Reducing: Lowers body temperature in febrile conditions.
Sedative: Calms the central nervous system, promoting relaxation and sleep.
Hemostatic: Shortens bleeding time, especially when charred.
Antibacterial: Inhibits certain bacteria and fungi.
Anti-Allergic: Helps relieve allergic symptoms.
In modern medicine, Schizonepeta is used for colds, measles, skin conditions like hives and eczema, and menstrual irregularities, showcasing its versatility.
Precautions for Use
Dosage: Typically 3–10 grams, adjusted based on the condition and medical advice.
Contraindications: Use cautiously in cases of spontaneous sweating due to surface deficiency or yin deficiency with internal heat.
Incompatibilities: Avoid consuming with turtle meat.
Note: Charred Schizonepeta is more effective for stopping bleeding.
Conclusion
Schizonepeta is a valuable herb in TCM, prized for its ability to relieve cold symptoms, promote rash eruption, stop itching, and control bleeding. Its wide-ranging applications, supported by both traditional wisdom and modern research, make it a versatile remedy.
Always consult a qualified practitioner to ensure safe and effective use, considering its properties, indications, and precautions. As research progresses, Schizonepeta’s potential in modern medicine continues to grow.
Chinese Name | 荊芥 |
Chinese Pinyin | Jingjie |
English Name | Fineleaf Schizonepeta Herb |
Latin Pharmaceutical Name | Schizonepetae Herba |
Category | Whole herbs |
Origin | The dried aerial portion of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq.(Lamiaceae) |
Production Regions | Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hebei, Henan. |
Macroscopic Features | Stem is a square rod shape, with branches at the upper portion, 50~80cm long, 0.2~0.4cm diameter; externally pale yellowish-green or pale purple-red, covered with short soft hairs; light in weight, brittle texture, fractured surface is off-white. Opposing leaves have generally fallen off, 3~5 pinnately divided leaves are thin and long. Spike-like verticillaster grows at the apex, 2~9cm long, about 7mm diameter. corolla often falls off, persistent calyx is bell-shaped, with 5 teeth-like cracks at the tip, pale brown or yellowish-green, covered with short soft hairs; brownish-black pyrena. Aromatic odor; slightly astringent and acrid cool taste. |
Quality Requirements | Superior medicinal material has pale yellowish-green, potent aromatic odor, long and dense spike-like verticillaster. |
Properties | Acrid; slightly warm |
Functions | Resolves the exterior, disperses wind, vents rashes, eliminates sore, stops bleeding. Apply to common cold, measles without adequate eruption, hemafecia, metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, epistaxis. |
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