FlowersExterior-releasingSchizonepetae Spica

Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike)

Q: What is Jing Jie Sui? Are schizonepeta herb and saposhnikovia the same?

Official Jing Jie Sui (荆芥穗) is the dried flower spike of Schizonepeta tenuifolia . The pharmacopoeial name is Schizonepetae Spica . Schizonepeta herb is the whole herb, acrid and slightly warm: releases the exterior and dispels wind. Saposhnikovia is acrid-sweet and slightly warm: dispels wind, releases the exterior, overcomes dampness and stops pain. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Jing Jie Sui. Exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating and yin deficiency with fire are contraindicated.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Jing Jie Sui?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Jing Jie Sui is acrid and slightly warm , enters the Lung and Liver channels, and acts to release the exterior, dispel wind, vent rash and dissipate sores . It is used for common cold, headache, measles, wind rash, and early sores. Charred Jing Jie Sui astringes and stops bleeding, for bloody stool, flooding and spotting, and postpartum blood dizziness. Acrid and slightly warm, it suits wind-cold exterior patterns—not exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating, or yin deficiency with fire.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as an exterior tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 5–10 g . It is not a four-season “schizonepeta-spike exterior tea.” Exterior deficiency only sweats further as it is dispersed. Common cold needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace assessment.

Q: How do you choose and store Jing Jie Sui?

Choose spike-like inflorescences, a pale brown or yellow-green surface, bell-shaped persistent calyx, brown-black nutlets, an aromatic odor and a slightly astringent yet acrid-cool taste . Moldy, dirty or scentless lots are discarded. Store cool and dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Jing Jie Sui; do not replace releasing the exterior, dispelling wind, venting rash and dissipating sores with schizonepeta herb or saposhnikovia by equal weight.

A practical guide to Jing Jie Sui: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Schizonepetae Spica
Chinese Name & Pinyin	荊芥穗 · Jing Jie Sui
Medicinal Part	Flowers
The herb	Jing Jie Sui is the dried flower spike of Schizonepeta tenuifolia. Jing Jie is the whole herb. Jing Jie Sui Tan is the charred form. Bo He and Fang Feng are different official drugs.
Nature and channels	Acrid, slightly warm. Enters the Lung and Liver. Acrid slight warmth releases the exterior, disperses wind, vents rash, and dissipates sores.
Pharmacopoeia line	Releases the exterior and disperses wind. Vents rash. Dissipates sores. Used for the common cold, headache, measles, wind rash, and early sores. Charred form is used for bloody stool and flooding.
Pattern cues	Common cold. Headache. Measles. Wind rash. Early sores.
In this article	Jing Jie Sui versus Jing Jie, Bo He, and Fang Feng. Raw versus charred. Why it is added near the end. Why yin deficiency should skip it. Who should skip it.

What Is Jing Jie Sui?

Jing Jie Sui (荆芥穗; Jīng Jiè Suì; Latin: Schizonepetae Spica; English: schizonepeta spike) is the dried flower spike of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. In Chinese medicine it is an exterior-releasing herb. It is acrid and slightly warm, enters the Lung and Liver channels, and its core actions are to release the exterior and disperse wind, vent rash, and dissipate sores. Dispersing is more specific than with the whole herb. It is aromatic. In a decoction it should be added near the end. Charred spike turns toward stopping bleeding, for bloody stool and flooding. That is not the same as raw use.

It is not Bo He. Mint is acrid-cool. It disperses wind-heat and clears the head and eyes. Jing Jie Sui is acrid and slightly warm. Releasing the exterior and dispersing wind are stronger. It leans toward wind-cold, and can also be paired with acrid-cool herbs for wind-heat. It is not Fang Feng. Saposhnikovia is acrid, sweet, and slightly warm. It dispels wind, releases the exterior, overcomes dampness, and relieves pain. Yin deficiency with blood dryness, and exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweat, are a poor match. Measles and wind rash need a clinic. It does not fit every cold.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Common cold, headache — mainly wind-cold
Measles, wind rash — to vent; seek care
Early sores

The usual decoction dose is 5–10 g, added near the end. Acrid and slightly warm, it is not a daily “wind schizonepeta” tea. Dispersing when there is no exterior pathogen consumes qi.

When wind is in the exterior, or a rash fails to vent, aversion to cold, headache, and a hidden rash are common. Jing Jie Sui is acrid and slightly warm. It releases, vents, and dissipates sores, which is why it appears in Jing Fang Bai Du San–type formulas. It disperses more than it holds. Much sweat, and a dry red tongue, get worse if more is added.

Jing Jie Sui is not a catch-all exterior or rash spike. In yin deficiency with blood dryness, exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweat, or when there is no exterior pathogen, using it alone can consume qi. Raw or charred should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Jing Jie Sui: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Schizonepetae Spica

Botanical Origin

The dried flowering spike of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. (Lamiaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Hebei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Jiangxi.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is spike-rich, greenish, and strongly aromatic, without old stems.

Macroscopic Features

Cylindrical spikes, 3~15cm long; calyx campanulate, pale brownish-green; corolla pale purple; intensely aromatic, slightly astringent and pungent.

Producing Regions and Quality Identification

The highest quality Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) historically comes from regions like Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Hebei provinces in China.

How to Spot Quality: Look for slender spikes about 3 to 10 centimeters long. They should be pale purple or yellow-green and densely packed with tiny flowers. Good quality spikes are light and crisp, give off a clear aromatic fragrance when rubbed, and have a slightly spicy taste.
Raw vs. Stir-baked: Raw spikes keep their bright color and shape. The stir-baked version turns dark brown, becomes crispier, and has a milder scent.
Lookalikes: It is sometimes confused with Bo He Sui (Mint Spike). However, mint spikes have denser flowers and a much stronger, cooling minty smell, unlike the spicy-aromatic scent of Jing Jie Sui.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Acrid; Slightly warmLungLiver

1. Historical Records

This herb has been highly valued in ancient TCM texts:

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Listed as a middle-grade herb, noted for treating chills and fevers caused by external wind.
Ming Yi Bie Lu: Mentioned its ability to induce sweating and relieve pain.
Ben Cao Gang Mu: Summarized its core strengths: dispersing wind-heat, clearing the head and eyes, soothing the throat, and resolving skin sores.
De Pei Ben Cao: Highlighted classic pairings. For example, pairing it with Jie Geng (Platycodon Root) helps clear wind-heat in the lungs, while mixing it with Chan Tui (Cicada Moulting) is a classic combo for bringing out stubborn skin rashes like measles.

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Over time, TCM doctors have refined how to use this herb. While some focus heavily on its ability to fight off external colds and wind, others prize it for treating itchy skin and rashes.

A crucial lesson from TCM history is that Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) is best for people who have a surface-level illness (like a cold) but a generally strong constitution. For those who are weak or lack energy (deficient Qi), it should be paired with tonic herbs so its strong "dispersing" nature doesn't drain the body's energy.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Releases the exterior, disperses wind, and vents rashes; the spike is more focused on the head and exterior than the whole herb. Apply to wind-cold or wind-heat exterior patterns, headache, and measles or rubella that do not vent smoothly.

1. Primary Focus: Dispelling External Pathogens

Traditional Function: Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) is highly valued for expelling "wind" pathogens from the body's surface. It helps relieve early-stage cold symptoms like chills, fever, headache, and nasal congestion.
Common Signs: It is typically used for mild wind-cold or wind-heat conditions, especially during seasonal changes, when there is no high fever or severe cough.
Common Pairings: For wind-cold, it is often paired with Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) or Su Ye (Perilla Leaf). For wind-heat, it pairs well with Bo He (Mint) or Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle).
When to Avoid: Because of its strong dispersing nature, people who sweat heavily, have a weak constitution, or lack vital energy should avoid self-prescribing it, as it may cause excessive sweating and further fatigue.

2. Secondary Focus: Venting Rashes and Stopping Itching

Traditional Function: It helps "vent" trapped toxins through the skin, relieving itching and encouraging the outward expression of stubborn rashes (like measles or rubella).
Common Signs: Used for incomplete rash eruptions, rubella-induced itching, or allergic dermatitis.
Common Pairings: It is frequently combined with Chan Tui (Cicada Moulting) and Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Fruit) to enhance the rash-venting and anti-itch effects.
When to Avoid: Do not use it if rashes have already fully erupted or if there are no venting issues, as over-dispersing can damage the body's healthy Qi.

3. Common Single-Herb Pairing: Synergy

A classic TCM pairing is Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root).

The Synergy: Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) excels at opening the skin surface to release wind, while Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) is a master at expelling wind, drying dampness, and relieving pain. Together, they form a powerful combination for addressing headaches, body aches, and itchy skin caused by wind, cold, and dampness.
Note: This pairing requires professional syndrome differentiation. It is not suitable for all colds; for instance, using it for a prominent wind-heat condition might worsen the heat symptoms.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Main Chemical Components

Modern science has found that the magic of Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) largely comes from its volatile oils (like menthone and limonene, which give it that great smell), along with flavonoids and phenolic acids.

2. Modern Pharmacological Focus

Current lab research is mostly focused on these volatile oils. In test tubes, the oils show some ability to inhibit common respiratory bacteria. In animal studies, extracts of the herb have been shown to reduce skin scratching (suggesting an anti-itch effect) and mildly lower body temperature.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

While the science is interesting, keep a few things in mind:

Lab Tests Aren't Clinical Proof: What works in a petri dish or on animals doesn't automatically mean it works the same way in the human body. There is still a lack of conclusive human clinical trials.
Extracts vs. Whole Herbs: The highly concentrated extracts used in modern labs behave very differently than the traditional boiled herbal tea (decoction) used in TCM.
Synergy is Key: In TCM, an herb's power comes from the complex interaction of all its compounds, not just one isolated chemical. You cannot judge the full effect of the herb based on a single laboratory compound.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground

Both Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) are primary herbs for expelling wind. They are used for headaches and body aches from external pathogens, as well as wind-induced itchy rashes. Both require cautious use in people with weak constitutions.

2. Core Differences

Nature and Reach: Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) is slightly warm and highly aromatic, focusing purely on the superficial skin layer. Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) is also slightly warm but acts deeper, reaching the muscles and meridians.
Focus of Action: Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) is best for venting rashes and stopping skin itching. Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) is better for relieving muscle/joint pain and spasms caused by dampness.
Energy Dynamics: Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) pushes energy strongly upward and outward. Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) gently pushes outward while also regulating the internal meridians.
Best Used For: Choose Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) for mild, early-stage colds (chills, stuffy nose). Choose Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) when a cold is accompanied by heavy muscle aches, joint stiffness, or spasms.
Contraindications: Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) should be avoided by heavy sweaters. Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) should be avoided by those with Yin/blood deficiency lacking external wind pathogens.

3. One-Sentence Summary

Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) is a light, fast-acting herb perfect for clearing surface-level colds and venting itchy rashes, whereas Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) provides deeper, gentler relief for wind-induced muscle aches and joint pain.

Classical Formulas Containing Jing Jie Sui

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Herbal Meals and Teas

Recipe 1: Schizonepeta and Mint Tea

Ingredients: 3g Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike), 2g Bo He (Mint), 1 slice fresh ginger.
Method: Place in a cup, add boiling water, cover, and steep for 5 minutes.
Best for: Mild seasonal wind-heat symptoms (slight fever, headache, tight throat).
Usage: Drink 1-2 times a week. Do not exceed 3 consecutive days. Avoid if you have a weak constitution or sweat heavily. (Use medicinal-grade herbs and strictly follow the dosage).

Recipe 2: Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia Porridge

Ingredients: 5g stir-baked Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike), 5g Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), 50g rice.
Method: Cook the rice into a porridge. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the herbs and simmer briefly.
Best for: Mild body aches caused by wind-cold-dampness.
Usage: Eat once every 1-2 weeks. Avoid if you suffer from constipation or Yin deficiency with internal heat.

2. Decoction and Processing Differences

Raw vs. Stir-baked: Raw Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) is excellent for expelling external pathogens. Stir-baked Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) is much milder and is traditionally used to help stop bleeding.
Brewing Rule: Because it relies on its aromatic volatile oils, this herb must be added at the very end of the cooking process (the last few minutes). Boiling it too long destroys its active properties.

3. Dosage and Usage Cycle

Clinical Dose: Usually 3 to 10 grams, adjusted by a practitioner based on your body.
Dietary Dose: Keep it small—around 3 grams for tea and 5 grams for food.
Cycle: Do not use continuously. Stop after 3 days. Prolonged use of dispersing herbs drains the body's energy.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It

Specific Constitutions: People with heavy spontaneous sweating, severe fatigue, or Yin deficiency with heat flare-ups should avoid it to prevent further energy loss.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Always consult a physician before use, as special care is required to protect fetal and infant health.
Seniors and Children: Due to weaker liver and kidney functions, these groups should not self-medicate.
Allergy Risks: Those allergic to plants in the mint (Lamiaceae) family should avoid it.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Medications: It may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure/sugar medications, and sedatives. The essential oils can also affect the absorption of other drugs. Space it 1 to 2 hours apart from Western medications and consult your doctor.
Diet: While there are no strict "food clashes," avoid cold, raw, or overly spicy/greasy foods while taking it, as these hinder the herb's ability to clear the illness.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Side Effects: Normal use is generally safe, but overdosing can cause nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or excessive sweating.
Emergency: Stop use immediately and seek medical care if you experience allergic reactions (hives, breathing difficulties), persistent vomiting, or rapid worsening of symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jing Jie Sui

What is Jing Jie Sui? Are schizonepeta herb and saposhnikovia the same?

Official Jing Jie Sui (荆芥穗) is the dried flower spike of Schizonepeta tenuifolia. The pharmacopoeial name is Schizonepetae Spica. Schizonepeta herb is the whole herb, acrid and slightly warm: releases the exterior and dispels wind. Saposhnikovia is acrid-sweet and slightly warm: dispels wind, releases the exterior, overcomes dampness and stops pain. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Jing Jie Sui. Exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating and yin deficiency with fire are contraindicated.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Jing Jie Sui?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Jing Jie Sui is acrid and slightly warm, enters the Lung and Liver channels, and acts to release the exterior, dispel wind, vent rash and dissipate sores. It is used for common cold, headache, measles, wind rash, and early sores. Charred Jing Jie Sui astringes and stops bleeding, for bloody stool, flooding and spotting, and postpartum blood dizziness. Acrid and slightly warm, it suits wind-cold exterior patterns—not exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating, or yin deficiency with fire.

How do you choose raw versus charred spike? Can schizonepeta herb replace it?

Raw spike is stronger for releasing the exterior and dispelling wind. Charred spike astringes and stops bleeding. Schizonepeta herb is the whole herb; it cannot replace the spike for venting rash by equal weight. Commercial schizonepeta-spike tea is not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as an exterior tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 5–10 g. It is not a four-season “schizonepeta-spike exterior tea.” Exterior deficiency only sweats further as it is dispersed. Common cold needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace assessment.

What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?

Contraindicated in exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating and yin deficiency with fire. Pregnancy needs a practitioner’s assessment. Stop if sweating or irritability appears. Common cold and measles need medical care.

Can Jing Jie Sui release the exterior, dispel wind, vent rash and dissipate sores?

It can help wind-cold common cold and measles. It joins saposhnikovia and mint. It releases the exterior, dispels wind, vents rash and dissipates sores—not a specific for every common cold or every measles.

Can Jing Jie Sui be drunk daily as an exterior, rash or sore tea?

Wind-cold exterior patterns may enter a short formula; exterior deficiency only sweats further as it is dispersed. “Schizonepeta spike must release the exterior” does not replace assessment. Releasing the exterior, dispelling wind, venting rash and dissipating sores should name 5–10 g.

How do you choose among Jing Jie Sui, schizonepeta herb, saposhnikovia, mint and cicada?

Schizonepeta spike is acrid and slightly warm: releases the exterior, dispels wind, vents rash and dissipates sores—wind-cold common cold and measles. Schizonepeta herb is acrid and slightly warm: releases the exterior and dispels wind—the whole herb. Saposhnikovia is acrid-sweet and slightly warm: dispels wind, releases the exterior, overcomes dampness and stops pain—wind-cold-damp. Mint is acrid-cool: disperses wind-heat and benefits the throat—wind-heat. Cicada is sweet-cold: disperses wind-heat, benefits the throat and vents rash—wind-heat rash. Wind-cold favors Jing Jie Sui; the whole herb favors schizonepeta herb; wind-cold-damp favors saposhnikovia; wind-heat favors mint; venting rash favors cicada. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; exterior deficiency forbids large Jing Jie Sui and saposhnikovia, and yin deficiency with fire is contraindicated.

Which herbs is Jing Jie Sui combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Wind-cold common cold joins saposhnikovia, fresh ginger and licorice. Write Jing Jie Sui 5–10 g; do not replace the spike for venting rash with schizonepeta herb by equal weight.

How do you choose and store Jing Jie Sui?

Choose spike-like inflorescences, a pale brown or yellow-green surface, bell-shaped persistent calyx, brown-black nutlets, an aromatic odor and a slightly astringent yet acrid-cool taste. Moldy, dirty or scentless lots are discarded. Store cool and dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Jing Jie Sui; do not replace releasing the exterior, dispelling wind, venting rash and dissipating sores with schizonepeta herb or saposhnikovia by equal weight.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.