Herba Caryopteridis Nepetaefoliae
Aliases：Biān Lán (literally "Edge Orchid"), Fāng Gěng Jīn Qián Cǎo (literally "Square‑Stemmed Money Grass" — named for its quadrangular stem and rounded leaves resembling coins), Yě Xiàn Cǎo (literally "Wild Amaranth Grass" — named for its similarity to amaranth), Bàn Zhī Lián (literally "Half‑Branch Lotus" — a name shared with other herbs, here referring to this species), Dào Guà Jīn Zhōng (literally "Hanging Upside‑Down Bell" — named for its drooping flowers), and Yóu (literally "Bluebeard" — the common name for the genus Caryopteris). These are all alternative names for 荆芥叶莸 (Jīng Jiè Yè Yóu)， i.e., the dried whole herb of Caryopteris nepetaefolia (Benth.) Maxim.
Jīng Jiè Yè Yóu (Herb of Oneflower Bluebeard) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried whole herb of Caryopteris nepetaefolia (Benth.) Maxim., a plant belonging to the family Verbenaceae. It grows on damp, shady slopes, forest edges, roadsides, or beside ditches. It was first recorded in Zhejiang Minjian Changyong Caoyao (Folk Commonly Used Herbal Medicines of Zhejiang).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears summer‑heat, releases the exterior, promotes diuresis, and removes toxicity.
Indications
Summer cold; sunstroke (heatstroke); heat strangury (urinary tract infection); leukorrhea (abnormal vaginal discharge); and traumatic bleeding.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 15–30 g. For topical application: take an appropriate amount of the fresh herb, mash it, and apply to the affected area.
Selected Formulas
For common cold (empirical formula) Take 9-15g each of Jingjie Yeyou (a local herb), Yizhihuanghua (Solidago decurrens), Jingjie (Schizonepeta tenuifolia), and Rendongteng (Lonicera japonica vine). Decoct in water and drink. For heatstroke (empirical formula) Take 15-30g of Jingjie Yeyou, decoct in water and drink as tea. For urinary tract infection (empirical formula) Take 15-30g of Jingjie Yeyou, 9g each of Shiwei (Pyrrosia lingua), Mutong (Akebia quinata), and Cheqiancao (Plantago asiatica). Decoct in water and drink. For leukorrhea (empirical formula) Take 120g of fresh Jingjie Yeyou, decoct in water and drink. For traumatic bleeding (empirical formula) Take fresh leaves of Jingjie Yeyou, crush and apply externally.
Medicinal Parts
Dried whole herb.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
