Can Perilla seed treat stomach diseases?

Jun 20, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

When gastritis belongs to the pattern of Qi stagnation, perilla seed (Stachys sieboldii) stir-fried may play an adjunctive role. Patients with this pattern commonly exhibit symptoms such as epigastric distension, frequent belching, poor appetite, and worsening of symptoms during emotional distress. Stir-fried perilla seed is warm in nature and pungent in taste; it functions to regulate Qi, resolve phlegm, and relieve abdominal distension by promoting the circulation of Qi and alleviating Qi stagnation in the epigastric region, thereby reducing discomfort such as gastric distension and belching.

Generally, stir-fried Perilla fruit may have an auxiliary regulatory effect on stomach disorders caused by Qi stagnation. However, it has no therapeutic effect on stomach disorders caused by excessive stomach heat or Yin deficiency with Fire hyperactivity, and may even worsen the condition. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a doctor in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

When the stomach disorder is of the Qi stagnation type, stir-fried Perilla fruit can play an auxiliary role. Patients of this type often exhibit symptoms such as epigastric distension, frequent belching, poor appetite, and worsening symptoms during emotional distress. Stir-fried Perilla fruit is warm in nature and acrid in taste, and can help relieve phlegm by lowering Qi and regulate Qi to widen the middle jiao. It alleviates discomfort such as stomach distension and belching by promoting the flow of Qi and relieving Qi stagnation in the epigastric region. However, this effect is only auxiliary and cannot replace formal medical treatment.

Stir-fried Perilla fruit is not suitable for stomach disorders caused by excessive stomach heat or Yin deficiency Fire hyperactivity. Patients with excessive stomach heat commonly exhibit symptoms such as burning epigastric pain, bad breath, constipation, red tongue with yellow coating, etc. At this time, the warm-drying nature of stir-fried Perilla fruit will aggravate internal heat pathogens, leading to intensified pain and worsened constipation. Patients with Yin deficiency often present with dull epigastric pain, dry mouth and throat, and dry stools. The warm-drying property of stir-fried Perilla fruit consumes stomach Yin, making symptoms such as dry throat and constipation more pronounced. For organic lesions such as gastric ulcers and gastritis, stir-fried Perilla fruit cannot eliminate inflammation or repair mucosal damage, and medical treatment is required.

If persistent epigastric pain, hematemesis, black stool, or worsening symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention for standardized diagnosis and treatment. Avoid blindly relying on stir-fried Perilla fruit and delaying the condition.

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