Perilla Leaf, Zǐ Sū Yè, 紫苏叶, Perilla Frutescens

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

AboutBotanyChinese MedicineCaution
Health Benefits
For: Cough • Phlegm • Fever • Food poisoning • Liver cancer • Colon cancer • Blood clots • Ulcerative colitis • Allergies • Asthma • Tumors • Morning sickness • Restless fetus
Attributes: Anti-inflammation • Antipyretic • Hypoglycemic • Expectorant • Antitussive • Antibacterial • Diaphoretic • Antimicrobial • Sedative
Products (online examples)

Dried Herb

Granules

Essential Oil

Granules

Tincture

Dried Herb

Dried Herb

Seed Oil

Research (sample)
Articles:
Constituents: 
Perillaldehyde • Polygodialperilla • Ketone • Egoma ketone • Isoegoma ketone • Limonene • Elsholtziaketone • Myristicin • Dillapiol • Stigmasterol

Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Other Names: Shiso (Japanese) • Japanese basil • Deulkkae (Korean) • Korean Perilla • Lemon Perilla
Plant Family: Laminaceae

Leaves are used in Chinese medicine for relieving cough and phlegm.  Seeds are used for its source of Omega 3, 6, an 9 fatty acids.  Online search for "Perilla seed omega 3" will turn up many articles.  It is an alternative to fish oil. Omega 3 acids are not in the leaves.  In fact, the leaves and seeds are sold as a very different supplements for treating very different disorders.  The focus of this blog is on the leaves. 

The leaves are a popular ingredient in Chinese medicine prescribed for colds, coughs, and digestion.  In Japan, they are commonly used in raw fish and shell fish dished because it's an antidote for seafood poisoning.[ref]  

Species

Perilla frutescens – AKA Korean perilla (deulkkae)

Perilla frutescens var. crispa – AKA Japanese Basil (shiso, tía tô)

Perilla frutescens var. hirtella – AKA lemon perilla.

Growth
Perilla Frutescens is in the USDA Plant Database.  Drill down via USDA Interactive Map:

USA: Perilla Frutescens has been introduced to multiple states.  USDA Zones: 2-11

Native: China, Japan, India

Habitats: Mountains, hills, pastures, dry woods, roadsides, fields

Category: Release Exterior Wind Cold 
English: Perilla Leaf    Pinyin:  Zi Su Ye      Pharmaceutical: Folium Perillae  
Organs: Lung • Spleen      Temperature: Warm  
Taste: Pungent • Aromatic      Toxicity:   
Patterns: Exterior cold • Wind cold • Qi stagnanation 
Actions:  Release the exterior • Expel cold • Calm restless fetus • Relief morning sickness • Detox seafood poisoning • Resolve toxicity • Harmonize the middle burner • Move qi • Harmonize spleen • Induce sweating • Revives spleen • Promotes Qi movement
Indications: Exterior wind cold • Seafood poisoning • Nausea • Vomiting • Cough • Phlegm • Cold • Flu • Restless fetus • Morning sickness
Contraindications: Warm Pathogen Diseases • Qi-Deficiency • Exterior Deficiencies • Damp Heat • Spontaneous Sweating
Typical Dosage: 5g to 9g Cook less than 5 minutes          Guidelines
Parts Used: Leaf • Seed • Stem  
Other: Perilla stem and leaf are combined to bear down on qi and disperse phlegm • Use the purple leaves, not green.
Combine With Purpose
Huo Xiang Warm the middle burner, normalize qi, release exterior; Cold/flu
Shen Jiang Alleviate symptoms from seafood allergies
Jie Geng + Xing Ren + Qian Hu Coughing and wheezing
Huang Lian Morning sickness and pregnancy vomiting and nausea
Jie Geng Decongestant and expectorant
Sha Ren + Chen Pi Gas and bloating
Formulas with Zi Su Ye
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang • Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San • Ji Ming San • Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang • Xiang Su San • Xing Su San • Zheng Qi Tian Xiang San 

Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
Potential Drug Interactions

Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs.  Examples below:

Herbs:

Pharma Drugs:

[3], [5], [8]

Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience.  While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts,  variations may result from the numerous English translations.   Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs.  The information here is strictly for educational purposes. 

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