Schizonepeta
Schizonepeta (Stems and branches with flower spikes, square stems branching upwards, yellow-green, leaves divided, slender, terminal spicate verticillasters, brittle with easily broken white pith, strong aroma)
Schizonepeta Spike
Schizonepeta Spike
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic
【Commonly Used Degree】
A
【Botanical Origin】
The dried aerial part of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq., a labiate plant. Schizonepeta Spike refers to the dried flower spike.
【Characteristics】
The whole herb is dried, with stems and branches bearing flower spikes, and most of the leaves have fallen off. The stem is square in shape, with longitudinal grooves on all four sides and many branches in the upper part; it is 45~90㎝ long and 3~5㎜ in diameter; the surface is light purplish-red, covered with short soft hairs; it is light and brittle, easily broken, the fracture is fibrous, yellowish-white, and the center has loose white pith. The leaves are opposite, the leaf blades are divided, the split surfaces are slender, yellowish in color, wrinkled and curled, and incompletely broken; the texture is brittle and easily falls off. Spicate verticillasters grow on the top of the branches, appearing as green cylinders, 7~10㎝ long, the corolla has mostly fallen off, leaving only the green calyx tube, containing four brownish-black small nutlets. The odor is aromatic, and the taste is slightly astringent, pungent, and cool. Carbonized Schizonepeta: appears dark brown.
【Processing】
1. Schizonepeta 2. Carbonized Schizonepeta 3. Schizonepeta Charcoal
【Identification】
《Discernment of Good and Bad》: “The best is to use the flower spike without the stem.”
The excellent ones are green, with long and dense spikes, thin stems, soft nature, and a pungent and spicy aroma.
【Section】
Whole Herb Category