Jīng Jiè (荆芥) — Schizonepeta

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Jīng Jiè (荆芥) is the dried aerial parts of Schizonepeta tenuifolia. It belongs to the category of Warm-acrid herbs that release the Exterior in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most widely used exterior-releasing herbs in Chinese herbal medicine. It is mild and adaptable: it can be paired with warming herbs for wind-cold or with cooling herbs for wind-heat, and the charred form (Jīng Jiè Tàn) is used to stop bleeding.

I prescribe Jīng Jiè as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Releases the Exterior and expels Wind — useful in both wind-cold and wind-heat with proper pairing
2. Vents rashes and relieves itching
3. Stops bleeding when used charred (Jīng Jiè Tàn), particularly postpartum

Indications

1. Acute colds and influenza with chills, mild fever, headache and itchy throat
2. Early-stage measles and urticaria where the rash is incompletely vented
3. Itchy skin conditions from Wind
4. Postpartum bleeding, blood in the stool, and uterine bleeding (charred form)

4. Modern research

Schizonepeta aerial parts contain volatile oils (notably pulegone, menthone and limonene), flavonoids and monoterpenoids. Pharmacological studies report antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antihistaminic and haemostatic effects. The herb is used widely in modern Chinese formulas for allergic rhinitis and urticaria. The volatile oil content is reduced by prolonged decoction, so Jīng Jiè is added towards the end of cooking when prepared as a traditional decoction.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Generally well tolerated. Avoid in patients with active sweating, exterior deficiency or interior heat where dispersing action would be inappropriate. Use the appropriate form: raw Jīng Jiè for releasing the exterior, charred Jīng Jiè Tàn for stopping bleeding.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Jīng Jiè as part of tailored herbal formulas for acute colds, allergic rhinitis with itching, urticaria and itchy skin conditions, and postpartum bleeding. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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