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Cura x Cura

Jing Jie荆芥

Schizonepetae Herba · Schizonepeta · Japanese Catnip

Herbs that Release the Exterior 解表药《神农本草经》

Overview

Acrid and only slightly warm, it releases the exterior gently enough to serve in wind-cold and wind-heat alike, which is why it appears in formulas of both kinds and is so often paired with Fang Feng 防风. Beyond the common cold it vents rashes that are struggling to surface and settles itching. It is added towards the end of the decoction so that its aromatic oils survive.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid · Slightly warm

Channels

Lung · Liver

Typical Dosage

4.5–9 g in decoction
荆芥Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Releases the exterior, disperses windChills, fever, headache and body ache of either wind-cold or wind-heat — its mildness is what makes it usable in both.
  • Vents rashes, stops itchingMeasles that will not come out, urticaria and itchy skin eruptions.
  • Disperses early soresBoils and sores in their initial stage while an exterior pattern is still present.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Jing Jie

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Wind-cold or wind-heat common cold with headache
    - Incompletely expressed measles and other rashes
    - Urticaria and generalized itching
    - Early sores with an accompanying exterior pattern

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Common coldUrticariaPruritusMeasles

Contraindications

Cautions

Not for exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating, nor for headache and dizziness arising from yin deficiency or rising Liver yang, where further dispersing makes matters worse.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific restriction — practitioner judgment applies

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.