Jing Jie

 Warm, Pungent Herbs that Release the Exterior

Actions:

• Releases the exterior and stops wind: For common cold with headache from wind-cold or wind-heat, depending on other herbs in the prescription.
• Alleviates itching and rashes: for the first stages of skin eruptions, measles, and urticaria. Also for boils when they first erupt, especially if accompanied by chills and fever.
• Stops bleeding: For epistaxis, bloody stool, hemorrhage, etc.

Contraindications:

• Caution for internal liver wind, and for measles and open sores that have suppurated.

Dosage:

• 3-9g. When used to stop bleeding, toast herb to ash. Do not decoct for more than 15 minutes. Parts used = aerial part or spike of whole herb.