Schizonepeta

형개 (荊芥) · Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Benth.) Briq.

Wind-releasing herb Warm Pungent, bitter Lung, Liver

NatureWarm

TastePungent, bitter

MeridiansLung, Liver

Part usedFlowering spike

FamilyLamiaceae

CategoryWind-releasing herb

Find by concern: Common cold Headache

Overview

Schizonepeta is a classic early-response herb for the first chill and headache of a cold, traditionally noted to share its aroma with perilla — the Donguibogam records its older name literally meant 'false perilla.' It is gathered as the flowering spike, dried, and used to disperse wind at the body's surface.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味辛苦, 無毒. 治惡風賊風, 遍身㿏痺, 傷寒頭痛, 筋骨煩疼, 血勞風氣, 療瘰癧瘡瘍.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste pungent and bitter, and it is non-toxic. It treats malign and thief wind, numbness over the whole body, cold-damage headache, vexing pain in the sinews and bones, blood-taxation wind-qi, and treats scrofula and sores.

Traditional functions

Disperses wind, releases the exterior
Stops headache from wind-cold
Relieves itching and rashes
Treats sores and swellings

Traditional applications

Early-stage common cold with chills and headache
Skin itching and hives
Sore throat with wind-heat
Headache from wind exposure

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–8g; commonly combined with mint and forsythia for wind-heat patterns, or with ginger for wind-cold.

Cautions

Caution: Traditionally avoided in spontaneous sweating from weak exterior qi, since its dispersing action can worsen sweating. Consult a professional before use.

Frequently asked questions

Why did the Donguibogam call schizonepeta 'false perilla'?

The text records its older name, Gaso (假蘇), meaning its fragrance resembled perilla's — a naming note that reflects how classical herbalists often identified plants by scent and resemblance to more familiar ones.

What part of the plant is used?

The flowering spike, gathered once the flowers have opened and then dried — the Donguibogam specifies using the seeded, spiked portion rather than the whole plant.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.