Can perilla leaves be eaten raw?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Yongchao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, perilla leaves can be eaten raw. Perilla leaves have a pungent flavor and are warm in nature without toxicity. They are nutritionally rich, containing various proteins, vitamins, and trace elements essential to the human body. Eating perilla leaves raw not only allows for better absorption of their abundant nutrients but also facilitates more efficient utilization of these nutrients. Fresh perilla leaves can be washed and eaten directly, or they can be cut into strips or small pieces and added to cold dishes.

Generally speaking, perilla leaves can be eaten raw, and it is recommended to thoroughly wash them before consumption. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Perilla leaves have a pungent flavor and are warm in nature without toxicity. They are nutritionally rich, containing various proteins, vitamins, and trace elements necessary for the human body. Eating perilla leaves raw not only allows better absorption of their abundant nutrients but also enables more effective utilization of these nutrients. Fresh perilla leaves, after being washed, can be eaten directly by chewing, or cut into strips or small pieces and added to cold dishes, enhancing the dish with their unique aroma and flavor.

In addition, consuming perilla leaves raw also has certain medicinal value, including effects such as relieving exterior syndromes and cold symptoms, regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach, and counteracting toxicity from fish and crabs. For example, when consuming seafood such as fish, shrimp, or crab, pairing with an appropriate amount of raw perilla leaves can not only remove fishy odors and enhance flavor but also help detoxify and warm the stomach. Before consumption, it is recommended to thoroughly rinse the leaves with running water to remove dust, dirt, or insect eggs, ensuring food safety.

In daily diet, it is recommended to appropriately combine foods, pay attention to portion control, and avoid excessive consumption of a single food item, which helps maintain overall health.

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