The efficacy and function of perilla
Release time : 10/26/2025 09:30:01
When people cook, they always add some perilla. The reason is that the perilla has a fragrant smell and it is also closely related to its effects and functions.
However, people often overlook the benefits and functions of perilla, which is regrettable. It should be noted that when used properly, perilla can be even more effective than many other medicines.
The benefits of Perilla frutescens are many, yet they remain largely unrecognized, allowing it to play a supporting role on people's dining tables rather than assuming its true status as a noble ingredient.
1. Perilla can be used for colds and wind-cold, with symptoms of fever and chills, headache, nasal congestion, as well as cough or chest tightness.
2. Perilla has the effects of expelling exterior pathogens, dispersing cold, and promoting qi flow and stomach harmony. It can be used for wind-cold epidemics, cough with nausea, pregnancy vomiting, and intoxication from fish or crabs.
3. Perilla has the effects of promoting qi circulation and relieving chest congestion, harmonizing stomach and stopping vomiting, which can alleviate symptoms of spleen-stomach qi stagnation, chest tightness, and nausea.
For those with cold symptoms, it is often used in conjunction with Poria.
For individuals with a predisposition to heat, it can be administered in conjunction with Huang Qin.
For those who have qi stagnation and phlegm congestion, Pinellia and Magnolia Bark are often used in combination.
It is also used in pregnancy-induced vomiting and chest and abdominal fullness, often in conjunction with Cinnamon Twig and Cardamom for enhanced anti-vomiting and fetal protection effects.
For abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea caused by eating fish or crabs, it can be used alone or mixed with processed ginger and Apium.
4. Due to the diaphoretic and relaxation effects of perilla, drinking a cup of warm perilla tea when suffering from wind-cold colds, cough, pain can effectively alleviate symptoms.
When you feel stressed or exhausted, brewing a cup of Perilla Tea can help you relax and calm your mind.
This special scent actually comes from sesquiterpenes, including sulforilgin. Both sesquiterpenes and sesamum oil can replenish blood nutrition and increase blood sugar content, thus helping to alleviate anemia and revitalize the body.
5. Additionally, Perilla can alleviate symptoms of chest and abdominal distension and is also effective in treating periodontitis and suppressing allergic rhinitis caused by pollen.
Perilla is a widely-used herb in daily life, but most of it is used for consumption. For example, the Japanese mostly use perilla in their cooking, especially when eating raw fish slices.
Chinese people use perilla to cook various dishes, often accompanying fish and crabs, especially when frying snails. In some areas of China, it is also used as a vegetable or tea.
Korean people use perilla to make Kimchi.
Basically, canned basil kimchi are sold in Korean stores around the world. In this can, every two pieces of basil leaves are wrapped with a red pepper.
In Vietnamese cooking, such as stews and soups, cilantro is added. Or it's placed on the rice noodles for decoration. It's clear that cilantro has a lot of nutritional value and is widely used by many people.
Apart from its uses, Perilla leaves are also full of benefits.
Perilla leaf, also known as Su Ye, has the functions of expelling exterior pathogens, dispersing cold and relieving qi, and promoting digestion. It is used for treating wind-cold, cough, chest distribution, nausea and vomiting, etc. Fresh perilla leaves can be used to make salads.
Seeds, also known as "Suzi," possess the functions of relieving cough and asthma, and phlegm-removing properties. They can be used as seasonings for meat products and are also utilized in making Suzi Sesame Salt.
The whole plants of Perilla frutescens can be distilled to produce Perilla oil, and the oil produced from the seeds is also known as Su Zi oil. Long-term consumption of Su Zi oil has been shown to significantly improve treatment outcomes for coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia.
Perilla is a treasure in its entirety, which is why people always plant a few of its own to have easy access for their hands.
Here is a selection of delicious recipes featuring Perilla (Purple Su), which are widely used in folk medicine. Regular consumption of these dishes can greatly benefit your health.
There are many ways to consume perilla leaves. Here are some suggestions:
1. Perilla Leaf Soup Eggs (Dispelling Cold): Take 50g of perilla leaves and boil them in water, beat two eggs evenly, prepare an appropriate amount of minced ginger or strips of ginger, let the soup cool down, then pour the egg and ginger mixture into it, thoroughly stir well, and put it into a steamer for stewing.
Before stewing, you can add an appropriate amount of oil and salt to taste according to your personal preference.
II. Ingredients for Ziziphus, Ginger, and Red Date Tea: Freshly picked Ziziphus leaves 10 grams, 3 slices of ginger, and 15 red dates. First, rinse the red dates in clean water, remove the pits, and then slice the ginger.
Preparation Method: First, slice the fresh perilla leaves into strips, add ginger slices and red dates into a clay pot filled with warm water. Boil on high heat, then switch to low heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Step 2: After 30 minutes, take out the perilla leaf, red dates, and ginger slices. Then put the dates back into the pot and continue to simmer over low heat for another 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, the soup is ready.
It primarily serves to warm the stomach and relieve cold, as well as aid digestion and promote qi flow.
III. Stir-Fried Spicy Pak Choi with Shrimp Ingredients: Fresh shrimp, fresh perilla leaves, savory sauce, minced garlic, fermented bean paste, refined salt.
Preparation: Heat oil in a pan until boiling, then add minced garlic, cilantro leaves, savory bean paste, and soybean paste. Stir-fry to release the aroma.
Add fresh clams and stir-fry until tender. Add an appropriate amount of boiling water, season with salt to taste, and cook until the clams are fully cooked.
Boil and pour over the cooked oil.
Features: Prevent and treat colds.
4. Perilla kimchi Ingredients: 30 fresh green perilla leaves, proper amount of kimchi, chili powder, mashed garlic, salt and sugar.
Method: Place the kimchi and all seasonings on a plate, and place the basil on the kimchi crossed.
Then lay a layer of pickled vegetables and seasonings over the leaves.
Let it marinate overnight, and the flavors will seep in.
Characteristics: This is a delicious side dish for people who often have cold temperatures and loss of appetite in winter.
Kimchi is rich in vitamins and also contains nutrients that can replenish physical strength. It has a good effect on relieving fatigue.
Precautions for eating perilla Many people don't pay attention to the collocation of foods during their daily diet, which leads to some diseases in the body. You must know that everything complements each other. Some foods are a treasure when eaten alone, but when eaten together, they become poison. Therefore, when eating perilla, you should also pay attention to the following matters.
Perilla and crucian carp can easily develop toxic sores after being eaten together. Take it carefully.
Soy and crab may cause abdominal distension, so it is advisable to consume them together with caution.
Ziziphus seeds tea contains a large amount of oxalic acid. When this acid comes into contact with calcium and zinc in the human body, it forms calcium oxalate and zinc oxalate. If these deposits are too much over time, they can damage the nerves, digestive system, and hematopoietic function of the human body. Therefore, Ziziphus seeds tea should not be consumed excessively or for an extended period. It is also not suitable for those prone to heat and deficiency of Qi and blood.
Pregnant women can consume Perilla frutescens, which detoxifies and supports fetal development, as well as alleviates anemia. However, it is important to note that excessive consumption should be avoided.
Moreover, when purchasing perilla, it is advisable to choose those with dark purple color, large leaves without breaking, no twigs, and a rich aroma. Place them in a cool, dry place, seal them up to prevent the fragrance from dispersing.
If you choose to dry-fry the perilla, you can dry it and then use a plastic bag. You can also clean it and dry it with newspapers and store it in the refrigerator. Or, after cleaning, you can dry it under the sun and then mix some salt before storing it in a ventilated place.
This way of storing the fennel can last for a long time. Even when the season for fennel has passed, it can be taken out and eaten anytime, which is very convenient.
* The medical information presented in this text is for reference only.
In cases of discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis and treatment should be based on the medical examination conducted in person.