Can Perilla stem be used to treat skin allergies?

Perilla stem only has an auxiliary relieving effect on skin allergies of the wind-cold type; it is ineffective for skin allergies of the wind-heat type or damp-heat type, or severe allergic reactions, and may even worsen symptoms. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When skin allergy belongs to the wind-cold type, perilla stem can play an auxiliary role. This type of allergy is often triggered by exposure to cold air, cold water, etc., and is characterized by skin itching, pale wheals, worsening symptoms upon exposure to cold, and improvement with warmth. It is often accompanied by mild nasal congestion and clear nasal discharge. Perilla stem is warm in nature and can regulate qi, widen the middle jiao, dispel cold, and resolve exterior pathogens. By expelling wind-cold from the body's surface, it can alleviate symptoms such as skin itching and wheals, providing some relief for mild allergies, although it cannot cure the allergy itself.

If the skin allergy belongs to the wind-heat type, damp-heat type, or involves severe allergic reactions, perilla stem is not applicable. Wind-heat type allergy commonly presents with red, swollen skin, severe itching, red wheals, and a marked feeling of heat; damp-heat type allergy is characterized by skin exudation, erosion, and unclearly defined rashes. Severe allergic reactions may include symptoms such as throat swelling and difficulty breathing. The warm nature of perilla stem can exacerbate the heat symptoms in wind-heat and damp-heat type allergies, worsening redness, swelling, and itching of the skin.

Before using perilla stem to assist in regulating skin allergy, it is important to determine the type and severity of the allergy. If skin allergy symptoms persist without improvement or severe reactions such as difficulty breathing occur, immediate medical attention should be sought to avoid delaying treatment.