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Schizonepeta

Schizonepeta (형개, 荊芥) is recorded in the Donguibogam as a wind-releasing herb. Its nature is warm and its taste pungent, bitter, associated with the Lung, Liver meridians. Traditional uses recorded in the text include disperses wind, releases the exterior, stops headache from wind-cold, relieves itching and rashes. Caution: Traditionally avoided in spontaneous sweating from weak exterior qi, since its dispersing action can worsen sweating.

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 coldHeadache

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 uses recorded in the Donguibogam

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

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

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

Traditional preparation

Commonly combined with mint and forsythia for wind-heat patterns, or with ginger for wind-cold.

This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.

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

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