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[Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica)]
Also known as Jiasu. It inherits the vital energy of spring, thus possessing the property of dispersing and moving freely. Its taste is pungent, its temperature is warm, and it is non-toxic. It has ascending and floating characteristics and belongs to Yang. The energy of spring ascends, and the nature of wind also ascends; therefore, it can travel upward to the head and eyes. The Liver governs Wind-Wood, so Jingjie can unblock Liver Qi and circulate in the Blood aspect, serving as a Wind herb for the Blood aspect. Furthermore, it can disperse pathogenic factors, release the muscle layer, induce sweating, and is an essential herb for dissipating blood stasis, removing bi-syndrome, and treating postpartum blood vertigo, stroke, and lockjaw. When used in dispersing formulas, it should be used raw; when used in hemostatic or blood-regulating formulas, the spikes should be stir-fried until black.

Jingjie enters the Qi aspect of the Liver Meridian and also acts on the Blood aspect. Its nature is ascending and floating, so it can induce sweating, disperse Wind-Heat, release the muscle layer, clear the head and eyes, resolve various pathogens, unblock the vessels, descend blood stasis, and remove damp-bi. It treats sores, carbuncles, vomiting of blood, epistaxis, intestinal wind, metrorrhagia, bloody dysentery, postpartum blood vertigo, scrofula, and swellings.

Indications (Integration of Smallpox and Rashes): Chills and fever, rashes, skin itching, dispelling Wind and releasing the muscle layer, unblocking and benefiting the vessels. Combined with diaphoretic herbs, it removes Wind and clears Heat, releases the exterior to bring out smallpox/rashes, and after eruption, it reduces abscesses and resolves residual heat. Its efficacy lies in dispelling Wind pathogens, dissipating blood stasis, breaking Qi stagnation, and eliminating toxin from sores. It is the principal herb for Wind diseases, Blood diseases, and Sores/Carbuncles. If processed by stir-frying until black, it has miraculous effects in treating postpartum blood vertigo and flooding (metrorrhagia). This is because excessive blood loss during childbirth leaves the abdomen empty, causing Wind to arise internally rather than from external invasion, leading to flooding and vertigo. Jingjie dispels Wind and dissipates stasis; blackness stops bleeding, and pungency breaks stagnation without causing obstruction, hence its divine efficacy.

Commentary: Jingjie has a light and aromatic nature. For Wind pathogens located between the skin and fascia, only this herb is primarily indicated. Scholar Xu stated that it possesses sacred efficacy, unlike Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), which penetrates deep into bones and flesh.

[Zisu (Perillae Folium)]
It inherits the harmonious Yang energy of Heaven, thus being warm; it combines with the Metal flavor of Earth, thus being pungent. Pungency facilitates dispersion, and warmth promotes the flow of Qi. It enters the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart) Meridian, Hand-Taiyin (Lung) Meridian, and Foot-Yangming (Stomach) Meridian. It is an essential herb for resolving chills and fever, dissipating cold Qi, stopping cholera-like symptoms, and eliminating distension and fullness. Zisu Zi (Perillae Fructus) is pungent and warm with slippery and moistening properties, making it particularly necessary for descending rebellious Qi and relieving cough. Zisu Geng (Perillae Caulis) is light in body and thin in flavor, making it especially suitable for deficient individuals to soothe and regulate Qi. Those with excessive sweating should avoid the leaves; those prone to vomiting should avoid the fruit.

Zisu leaves are purple on both sides, and those with strong fragrance are superior. They are harvested on the Dragon Boat Festival in May. The pungent taste enters the Qi aspect, the purple color enters the Blood aspect, the fragrance reaches the exterior, and the warmth warms the interior. It releases the exterior and relaxes the muscle layer, offering rapid relief for injuries caused by Wind-Cold. It opens the stomach and aids digestion, treating distension and fullness which then easily resolve. It benefits the Heart and Lung, relieves pain, calms the fetus, alleviates beriberi, and eliminates bad breath. Zisu Geng descends Qi more gently and is suitable for those with slight deficiency. Zisu Zi expels phlegm, descends Qi, calms asthma, moistens the Lungs and Heart, stops cough and rebellious Qi, resolves five types of chest oppression, breaks accumulations, promotes urination and defecation, and treats cholera and vomiting. Compared to stems and leaves, it does not disperse excessively; compared to Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), it does not deplete Qi. It regulates Qi without damaging it and is suitable throughout the Qi aspect. However, it should not be used when Qi rebels upward from below the umbilicus.

Indications (Integration of Smallpox and Rashes): Descends Qi and dispels Cold, resolves phlegm, benefits the Lungs, calms asthma, calms the fetus, releases the exterior, treats headache and fever, and cough with sputum. It is temporarily used when there is dry heat and no sweating prior to the eruption of rashes. Leaves are primarily for dispersion; stems move Qi. It serves as an exterior-releasing agent for the interior, achieving its effect according to its application.

Commentary: Zisu is originally a formula for dispersing Wind. People appreciate its aromatic fragrance and use it daily with meals, unaware that it can deplete the primordial Qi. This is what is meant by "aromatic herbs cause diseases of the wealthy." It is contraindicated in cases of Qi deficiency and exterior deficiency. Leaves moisten the Lungs and are contraindicated in deficiency. Zisu Zi calms the fetus and harmonizes the Stomach; when used medicinally, one merely takes advantage of its pungent aroma to temporarily regulate conditions of Cold-Qi stagnation in the Stomach. How can it be used indiscriminately or long-term, thereby falling into the disaster of further weakening the deficient?