Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang — Schizonepeta & Forsythia Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang — the “Schizonepeta and Forsythia Decoction” — is from the Ming-dynasty Wan Bing Hui Chun (Restoration of Well-Being from the Myriad Diseases). It addresses Constrained Heat in the upper burner, channels of the head and face, particularly the Liver and Gallbladder channels passing through the ear and the Stomach and Large Intestine channels of the face. The formula combines surface-releasing herbs (Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Bo He) with Heat-clearing herbs (Lian Qiao, Huang Qin, Zhi Zi) and Blood-moving herbs (Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao) to break up constrained Heat that has lodged in the head and face, producing chronic recurrent infections of the ear, nose and facial skin.

I prescribe Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang is prescribed for Constrained Heat in the head, face and upper burner:

• Chronic recurrent inflammation of ear, sinus or face
• Yellow nasal or ear discharge
• Dull pressure or congestion in face/head
• Red inflamed acne on face, especially cheeks/jawline
• Inflammation often flares with stress or rich food
• Possible bitter taste, mild irritability
• Tongue — red edges, thin yellow coat
• Pulse — wiry, slightly rapid

Key herbs

1. Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Bo He — release Wind from the exterior; vent Heat from head and face
2. Lian Qiao — clears Heat and dissipates nodules; chief Heat-clearing herb
3. Huang Qin, Zhi Zi — clear Heat from upper and middle burners
4. Chai Hu — spreads Liver Qi; releases the Shao Yang
5. Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao — nourish and move Blood (since stagnation accompanies chronic Heat)
6. Bai Zhi — opens nose; drains pus from sinuses
7. Jie Geng, Zhi Ke — regulate Qi up and down
8. Gan Cao — harmonises and clears toxin

Formula actions

1. Releases Wind and clears Constrained Heat from head and face
2. Spreads Liver Qi and vents the Shao Yang
3. Moves Blood
4. Resolves toxin and dissipates nodules

Conditions treated

1. Chronic recurrent otitis media in older children and adults
2. Chronic sinusitis with thick yellow discharge
3. Chronic tonsillitis with recurrent flares
4. Inflammatory acne on cheeks and jawline
5. Chronic rhinitis with discharge
6. Adenoid hypertrophy in children
7. Chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction with discharge
8. Recurrent boils on face and neck

Cautions

Not appropriate for cold-deficient patterns or pure Yin deficiency — the cold and dispersing herbs damage Yang and depleted Yin.

Acute severe infection (high fever, severe pain, mastoiditis) requires urgent medical care.

Best used in courses with rest periods rather than continuously.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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