Efficacy and Effects of Schizonepeta Tenuifolia Spike

Schizonepeta tenuifolia flower spikes (Jing Jie Sui) are the dried floral spikes of Schizonepeta tenuifolia, a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The corollas are mostly absent; the persistent calyx is yellowish-green, campanulate (bell-shaped), brittle and easily crumbled, enclosing small brownish-black nutlets. It possesses a fragrant aroma and a slightly astringent, pungent, and cooling taste. Harvesting occurs during summer and autumn when the flowers have fully bloomed to the top of the stem and the spikes remain green; impurities are removed and the material is sun-dried. So, what are the medicinal effects and therapeutic actions of Jing Jie Sui? Below is an explanation.

Medicinal Effects and Therapeutic Actions of Jing Jie Sui

1. Fever Reduction and Antipyresis

When administered medicinally, Jing Jie Sui exerts a potent diaphoretic effect. In cases of fever or elevated body temperature, oral administration of an appropriate dose of Jing Jie Sui promotes sweating and helps rapidly restore normal body temperature.

2. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Jing Jie Sui contains multiple naturally occurring antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit various pathogenic bacteria in the human body and prevent inflammatory responses. It is commonly used clinically for treating pneumonia, tracheitis, and pharyngitis. Particularly in cases of cough with excessive sputum and dyspnea, decocting Jing Jie Sui together with white peony root (Paeonia lactiflora) and administering the resulting tea can effectively resolve phlegm, suppress cough, and alleviate inflammation.

3. Astringent and Hemostatic Effects

Astringency and hemostasis constitute one of the principal medicinal actions of Jing Jie Sui. When patients present with hemorrhagic conditions such as hematemesis (vomiting blood), hematochezia (blood in stool), or hematuria (blood in urine), timely administration of Jing Jie Sui can rapidly arrest bleeding and significantly alleviate hemorrhagic symptoms.

4. Treatment of Postpartum Syncope Due to Blood Stasis

Many women experience syncope (fainting) secondary to blood stasis following childbirth. In such cases, dried Jing Jie Sui may be used directly for treatment. The dried herb is crushed into coarse powder; a dosage of two qian (approx. 6 g) is mixed with warm wine and child’s urine (a traditional TCM vehicle) and taken orally.

The above outlines the medicinal effects and therapeutic actions of Jing Jie Sui. We hope this information proves helpful.