Can children use perilla leaf foot baths?

Children without obvious skin damage in the early stages of a cold caused by exposure to cold (wind-cold) can use perilla leaf for foot soaking. However, this remedy is not suitable for children with colds caused by wind-heat, those with skin wounds, or those with a heat-prone constitution. Detailed explanations are as follows:

When children develop symptoms of wind-cold感冒 due to exposure to cold, such as clear nasal discharge, sneezing, mild coughing, and sensitivity to cold, and have no skin injuries, perilla leaf foot soaking can be used. Perilla leaf is warm in nature, and foot soaking with it can help dispel wind-cold from the body's surface through warm thermal stimulation and its medicinal properties, promote blood circulation, and relieve discomfort caused by the common cold. The water temperature should be controlled, and soaking should not exceed 10 minutes to avoid burns or excessive sweating in children.

If children have wind-heat感冒, characterized by yellow nasal discharge, sore throat, and obvious fever, or if they have skin wounds, eczema, ulcers on their feet, or a heat-prone constitution, perilla leaf foot soaking is not recommended. Using perilla leaf foot soaking during a wind-heat感冒 can worsen internal heat pathogens, thereby aggravating symptoms; foot soaking with skin injuries may cause infections; children with heat-prone constitutions may experience dry mouth, constipation, and other heat-related reactions.

Before considering perilla leaf foot soaking for children, it is best to consult first with a pediatrician or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure safety and suitability. Meanwhile, parents should closely monitor the foot-soaking process, ensuring appropriate water temperature and duration to avoid any risks.