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Is Perilla frutescens the same as Perilla leaf?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Su Zi Ye (苏子叶) refers to Zi Su (紫苏). They are different names for the same plant. Su Zi Ye is an alternate name for the leaf of Zi Su, referring to the leaves or young branches of the plant Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton, which belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Zi Su has multiple therapeutic effects and is effective for relieving exterior syndromes and dispersing cold. Its property is acrid and warm, with a relatively strong effect of inducing perspiration, effectively alleviating symptoms such as nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, headache, and body aches caused by exterior wind-cold syndrome.

　　Under normal circumstances, Su Zi Ye (Perilla frutescens leaf) refers to Zi Su (Perilla), and they are different names for the same plant. Detailed explanation is as follows:

　　

　　Su Zi Ye is an alternative name for Zi Su Ye (Perilla leaf), both referring to the leaves or young branches of the Perilla plant, which belongs to the Lamiaceae family and the genus Perilla. Perilla has multiple therapeutic effects: it can relieve exterior syndromes caused by cold pathogens due to its pungent and warm nature, with a strong effect in inducing perspiration, alleviating symptoms such as nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, and body aches caused by wind-cold exterior syndrome; it can regulate qi and harmonize the stomach, improving discomforts such as chest and epigastric distension, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea; it also has a soothing effect on pregnancy-related conditions, helping alleviate symptoms like chest tightness, vomiting, and fetal movement discomfort in pregnant women caused by disharmony of fetal qi and pregnancy reactions; additionally, it can counteract toxicity from fish or crab consumption, relieving symptoms like chest tightness, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting caused by improper consumption of fish or crab.

　　Moreover, Perilla also has effects of promoting lung function and resolving phlegm, moistening the intestines and relieving constipation, anti-allergic properties, calming the nervous system, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. It can be used to treat cough with excessive phlegm, promote gastrointestinal motility to relieve constipation, inhibit allergic reactions to alleviate symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, and skin itching, relax the nerves to improve sleep quality, and eliminate free radicals in the body to reduce oxidative damage and alleviate discomfort caused by inflammation.

　　It should be noted that Perilla is also a traditional Chinese medicine; therefore, consultation with a qualified physician is recommended before use.

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If the symptoms of qi and blood deficiency are mild, manifesting as occasional fatigue and slightly poor complexion, cooking eggs with perilla leaves can provide nutritional support through the eggs, while the perilla leaves assist in regulating the body's condition. Long-term moderate consumption can offer foundational nourishment and help alleviate minor discomforts. However, if the symptoms of qi and blood deficiency are significant, presenting as dizziness, palpitations, pale complexion, reduced menstrual flow, or are caused by anemia, chronic illness, and other conditions, further medical evaluation and treatment may be necessary.
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Can cooking eggs with perilla leaves treat a runny nose?
During the early stage of a cold caused by wind-cold invasion, symptoms include clear nasal discharge, chills without sweating, no significant fever, and no sore throat. Consuming eggs cooked with perilla (Perilla frutescens) in moderation may help alleviate nasal discomfort and relieve mild runny nose symptoms, due to perilla's property of dispersing cold and relieving the exterior. This should be combined with warming and保暖 (keeping warm) measures. However, it will not relieve runny nose caused by wind-heat感冒 or other diseases.
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Can brown sugar be added when cooking eggs with perilla leaves?
It is acceptable to add brown sugar when cooking eggs with perilla leaves, especially suitable for individuals experiencing discomfort due to cold exposure. However, individuals with elevated blood sugar levels are advised against adding brown sugar. During the early stage of a cold caused by wind-cold invasion, when symptoms such as mild chills and clear nasal discharge appear, adding a small amount of brown sugar when cooking eggs with perilla leaves can enhance the cold-dispersing effect due to brown sugar's warming and nourishing properties. It also improves taste and is suitable for those with a cold constitution to consume in moderation, while paying attention to controlling the quantity of brown sugar used.
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Can perilla leaf boiled eggs treat cough and sore throat?
Perilla leaf-cooked eggs may help alleviate mild cough and sore throat caused by exposure to cold, but they are ineffective for cough and sore throat resulting from heat syndromes or severe infections. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. For mild cough and sore throat with tightness, caused by cold invasion, without significant phlegm or with clear and thin phlegm, moderate consumption of perilla leaf-cooked eggs may help relieve symptoms due to perilla's function of dispersing cold and resolving exterior patterns.
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Can perilla leaf boiled eggs improve sleep?
Perilla leaf-cooked eggs may have a mild improvement effect on sleep disturbances caused by wind-cold discomfort or mild tension, but cannot improve severe insomnia or sleep problems caused by diseases. For difficulty falling asleep caused by physical discomfort from wind-cold or mild emotional tension, moderate consumption of warm Perilla leaf-cooked eggs may help induce relaxation by alleviating physical discomfort and providing gentle nourishment.
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Can perilla leaf-cooked eggs detoxify the body?
After consuming a small amount of unclean fish or shellfish, mild nausea or abdominal pain may occur, or physical discomfort may be caused by exposure to wind-cold. In such cases, appropriately consuming perilla leaves cooked with eggs may help alleviate the discomfort and provide certain auxiliary effects by utilizing the properties of perilla leaves. At this time, it is necessary to observe the body's reaction; if symptoms improve, continued observation may be considered. However, for severe poisoning or issues caused by other toxins, detoxification may be difficult.
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Can cooking eggs with perilla leaves treat nasal congestion?
In the early stage of a cold caused by wind-cold invasion, nasal congestion is usually mild, with clear nasal discharge and no sore throat. Taking eggs cooked with perilla leaves may help, as perilla's warming property can assist in promoting nasal qi circulation. Applying a warm compress to the nose may also help alleviate nasal congestion. At this time, it is important to stay warm and avoid further cold exposure. If nasal congestion is caused by a wind-heat感冒, it is often accompanied by yellow, thick nasal discharge, nasal dryness, and a sensation of heat, or may be caused by other conditions such as nasal polyps or sinusitis.
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Can cooking eggs with perilla leaves cure a cold or flu?
In general, perilla leaf boiled eggs can serve as an adjunct in treating the common cold, but their effectiveness is limited. If symptoms persist or discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital. It should be noted that perilla leaf boiled eggs can only act as an auxiliary regimen for common colds and cannot replace medical treatment. If cold symptoms are severe, such as high fever or intense coughing, prompt medical attention is necessary.
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