Schizonepeta (Jing Jie)

Botanical Name: Schizonepeta tenuifolia

Schizonepeta is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat symptoms associated with common colds, allergic skin conditions, and early-stage measles. It can also help to stop bleeding–including blood in the urine or stools.

Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – A Unexpected Ability of the Healing Herb Schizonepeta.

Remember to check with your doctor before trying new medicines or herbal remedies, especially if you are taking other medication where drug interactions are possible.

Below is an overview of schizonepeta, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of schizonepeta.

Parts Most Frequently Used: Aerial Part, Leaf, Stem, Flower

Flavors/Temps: Acrid, Aromatic, Slightly Warm

Caution: Considered safe. It is not recommended for fully-erupted measles or open sores.

Key Constituents: Menthol, Menthone, Pulegone, Limonene, Menthofuran, Cineole, Hesperidin, Caffeic acid, Schizonodiol, Terpenoids

History/Folklore: Schizonepeta is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat either Wind Heat or Wind Cold symptoms associated with common colds such as fever, chills and fever, sore throat, stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy eyes, headaches, and muscle aches. It is also used to help vent rashes such as early stage measles, allergic skin conditions, and eczema or psoriasis. It is considered the most important herb for treating skin infections. With an ability to stop bleeding it is also often used with other herbs to treat bloody stools, blood in the urine, and even hemorrhaging. Schizonepeta can shorten coagulation time, helping to stop bleeding.

Don’t confuse schizonepeta (Schizonepeta tenuifolia), commonly called Japanese catnip or Japanese mint, with “true catnip” of the genus Nepeta (also Lamiaceae). While true catnip is in the same family of plants as schizonepeta, unlike true catnip schizonepeta is an annual plant with a pleasant aroma similar to pine. Both the fresh and the dried plant are highly aromatic.

Several studies have indicated that schizonepeta slows the production of substance P, a compound that is known for inciting itchy reactions. It also slows the secretion of histamine helping to ease allergic skin reactions. Other studies confirm schizonepeta extract with having immunomodulating anti-inflammatory responses by regulating cytokine release and interrupting histamine release from mast cells to inhibit allergic reactions.

Schizonepeta is often paired with other herbs to treat different infections that release pus in their early stages (such as measles). It is paired with mint to induce sweating, vent rashes, and Expel Wind. It is commonly paired with ledebouriella and notopterygium for treating symptoms of Wind Cold invasions.

Schizonepeta is often used to treat early-stage measles. It encourages the rash to come to the surface, helping to stop itching and heal faster. However, it is not recommended for treating late stage measles or open sores. Schizonepeta also helps heal skin injuries and eruptions.

For treating postpartum External Wind conditions it is paired with ligusticum and angelica, herbs that support and nourish blood while helping to build immunity and fight off common cold symptoms.

The green buds are highly regarded as a pediatric sedative.

Schizonepeta contains pulegone, a compound actually found in most plants in the mint family. It is dangerous in the high doses obtained from essential oils extracted from the plant. Used in regularly recommended doses, and not as or in an essential oil form, schizonepeta and other mint family plants are safe to use. Indeed, mint is a commonly safely used herb.

Schizonepeta is found in some popular over-the-counter supplements that promote HGH (Human Growth Hormone) to enhance mood, sleep, energy, and muscle mass, as well as some natural testosterone enhancing products.