What are the benefits and effects of Perilla stem?

Perilla stem is the stem of the plant Perilla frutescens or wild Perilla in the Lamiaceae family. It has various medicinal effects, including regulating qi and relieving abdominal fullness, stabilizing pregnancy, promoting blood circulation, treating edema and beriberi, and managing hemoptysis and epistaxis. The specific details are as follows:

1. Regulating Qi and Relieving Abdominal Fullness: Perilla stem is widely used to treat stagnation of spleen and stomach qi. It helps alleviate distension and discomfort in the stomach area, thereby promoting healthy digestion.

2. Stabilizing Pregnancy: In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), perilla stem is considered a pregnancy-stabilizing herb. It is used during pregnancy to help regulate fetal qi and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

3. Promoting Blood Circulation: Perilla stem also has blood-regulating properties. It can be used to address blood-related conditions, improve blood circulation, and is particularly effective in managing symptoms such as hemoptysis and epistaxis.

4. Treating Edema and Beriberi: Perilla stem is used to treat edema and beriberi due to its diuretic effect, which helps eliminate excess fluid from the body and relieve swelling.

5. Treating Hemoptysis and Epistaxis: In traditional Chinese medicine, perilla stem is also used to treat bleeding disorders such as hemoptysis and epistaxis, helping to stop bleeding and improve blood conditions.

It should be noted that as a traditional Chinese medicine, perilla stem should only be used under the guidance of a doctor or licensed TCM practitioner to ensure proper dosage and usage. Patients are advised to seek medical attention promptly when experiencing discomfort and to follow standardized treatment protocols under professional supervision to support recovery.