Can raw perilla leaves cure a cold?

Raw perilla leaves may provide some auxiliary relief for a cold caused by exposure to cold, but they cannot fully cure a cold. If you have any concerns, it is advisable to seek medical advice in advance. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Raw perilla leaves are warm in nature and pungent in taste, possessing the effects of dispersing cold and relieving superficial symptoms caused by cold. They are suitable for alleviating symptoms of cold-induced common cold such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, and chills. Cold-induced common cold is often caused by exposure to cold; drinking water boiled with raw perilla leaves at this time can promote sweating, helping to expel cold from the body and relieve discomfort from the cold. However, this effect is merely auxiliary and cannot replace medical treatment.

Raw perilla leaves contain volatile oils and other components that may soothe respiratory mucous membranes to some extent, but there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to confirm that they can directly cure a cold. Colds are mostly caused by viruses, and recovery primarily depends on the body's immune system. If the cold is of the heat type, characterized by high fever and sore throat, taking raw perilla leaves might exacerbate symptoms due to their warming and drying nature, so caution is advised.

When using raw perilla leaves as an adjunct for cold relief, care should be taken not to use excessive amounts. People with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, those with a hot body constitution, and pregnant women should avoid using them. If cold symptoms persist or worsen, or if high fever, severe coughing, or other conditions occur, prompt medical attention is necessary. Do not rely solely on raw perilla leaves and risk delaying treatment.