Can pregnant women eat perilla?

Generally speaking, pregnant women can consume perilla, but they should pay attention to moderate consumption. The specific analysis is as follows:

Perilla has functions of relieving exterior syndromes, dispersing cold, regulating qi to widen the middle jiao, and stabilizing the fetus. It helps alleviate symptoms such as cold due to wind-cold, stagnation of spleen and stomach qi, and nausea and vomiting. When pregnant women experience these symptoms, consuming an appropriate amount of perilla under a doctor's guidance may help relieve discomfort. Additionally, using small amounts of fresh or dried perilla leaves to season dishes, such as cooking fish or making soups, is generally safe.

However, perilla contains volatile oil components, such as perillaldehyde and perilla ketone, which, although beneficial to the human body, may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions if consumed in excess. Moreover, perilla is warm in nature, and excessive consumption may easily lead to internal heat. Therefore, pregnant women should consume perilla in moderation and avoid excessive intake.

During pregnancy, it is recommended to maintain balanced nutrition, follow a reasonable diet, and avoid consuming herbs not approved by a doctor to ensure the health of both mother and baby. Additionally, regular prenatal checkups should be conducted to ensure a smooth pregnancy.