Overview of the effects and functions of perilla

Perilla is a plant with both medicinal and edible value. Its functions are mainly focused on relieving the surface and dispersing cold, promoting qi and regulating the stomach, detoxifying and preventing miscarriage. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, perilla leaves, perilla stems and perilla seeds each have their own emphasis: the leaves are good at dispersing wind and cold, the stems are long and wide at regulating qi, and the seeds are good at moistening the intestines and laxative. Modern research has also found that it is rich in volatile oils, flavonoids and other ingredients, and has antioxidant, antibacterial and other auxiliary effects. The following article will focus on its core functions, interspersed with practical scenarios, to help readers fully understand this traditional herbal medicine.

Relieving surface and dispersing cold: Perilla’s “wind-cold nemesis” property

Perilla leaves are warm in nature and pungent in taste, and are a classic medicinal material for treating colds and colds. When symptoms such as nasal congestion and headache occur after catching a cold, it is commonly used among the people.Perilla leaves boiled in waterOr mix it with ginger to induce sweating and dispel cold. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica", perilla can "relieve muscles and dispel wind and cold", and its volatile oil (such as perilla aldehyde) can stimulate the secretion of sweat glands and accelerate body temperature regulation. It should be noted that people with wind-heat and cold (sore throat, yellow phlegm) should not use it to avoid aggravating symptoms.

Promoting qi and harmonizing the stomach: a natural assistant for regulating the spleen and stomach

Perilla stems are good at relieving spleen and stomach qi stagnation, targetingBloating, belchingEspecially effective for indigestion problems. Its mechanism is to promote gastrointestinal motility and inhibit smooth muscle spasm. In Guangdong, perilla is often boiled with tangerine peel and Amomum villosum to make an appetizing tea. The perilla leaf used with sashimi in Japanese cuisine not only removes the fishy smell, but also prevents gastrointestinal discomfort caused by raw and cold food. Reminder: Patients in the acute stage of gastric ulcer should use it with caution.

Detoxification, tocolysis and other extended uses

The detoxifying properties of perilla are shown to relieveFish and crab poisoning(skin itching, abdominal pain), the Song Dynasty's "Zheng Lei Materia Medica" has recorded its case of detoxifying fish and crabs. For pregnant women, decoction of perilla stalks in water can help relieve pregnancy vomiting, but physician guidance is required. Modern research has found that perilla seed oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid (content is about 60%, see table below), which has potential benefits for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but it cannot replace drug treatment.

Reasonable use and summary of perilla

Taken together, Perilla perilla is a typical representative of the same source of medicine and food, but it needsDialectical use: The leaves can be used at the beginning of wind and cold, the stems can be used for qi stagnation and abdominal distension, and the seeds can be used for constipation or health care. For daily consumption, it is recommended to consume 10-20g of fresh leaves each time. For medicinal decoction, please follow the doctor’s advice. It is worth noting that its volatile oil is easy to evaporate and the cooking time should not exceed 10 minutes. Finally, it is emphasized that although perilla has various functions, serious diseases still require professional medical intervention.

Citing sources

1. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica" (traditional Chinese medicine classic of the Ming Dynasty)
2. Tang Shenwei's "Zheng Lei Materia Medica" (pharmaceutical work of Song Dynasty)
3. "Analysis Report on Medicinal Plant Ingredients" by the Japanese Pharmaceutical Society (2018 Edition)