Can patients with facial paralysis eat perilla?
Jun 20, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
When facial paralysis is caused by wind-cold obstructing the meridians, moderate consumption of perilla (Perilla frutescens) may provide certain auxiliary therapeutic effects. Patients often have a history of exposure to wind-cold on the face, presenting symptoms such as incomplete eyelid closure and deviation of the corner of the mouth. Perilla has warm properties and a pungent taste, which can expel wind and cold, and promote the circulation of meridians. By dispelling wind-cold pathogens from the facial meridians and improving local blood and qi circulation, it may help alleviate facial muscle numbness.
Facial paralysis, also known as facial nerve palsy, may involve the pattern of wind-cold obstructing the meridians. In such cases, moderate consumption of perilla may be appropriate. However, if the facial paralysis belongs to the patterns of wind-heat invasion or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, perilla should not be consumed. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:
When facial nerve palsy is caused by wind-cold obstruction in the meridians, moderate consumption of perilla can provide certain auxiliary benefits. Patients with this pattern often have a history of facial exposure to wind-cold, presenting symptoms such as incomplete eyelid closure and facial droop. Perilla has a warm nature and pungent taste, and functions to dispel wind-cold and promote circulation in the meridians. By removing wind-cold pathogens from the facial meridians and improving local blood and qi circulation, perilla may help relieve facial muscle numbness and stiffness. However, perilla should only be used as an adjunct method and cannot replace standard treatments such as acupuncture and medication.
If facial nerve palsy belongs to the pattern of wind-heat invasion or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, perilla should not be consumed. Patients with wind-heat invasion often experience facial heat, bitter taste, dry throat, red tongue with yellow coating, and may even develop ear blisters. In such cases, the warm-drying nature of perilla may exacerbate internal heat pathogens, leading to increased stagnation of qi and blood in the facial meridians, which is detrimental to the recovery of nerve function. Patients with yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity often present with heat sensations in the palms, soles, and chest, dry mouth and throat, a red tongue with little coating. Consuming perilla may further deplete yin fluids, causing the tendons and muscles to lose nourishment, which may worsen facial muscle atrophy or spasms.
If facial paralysis is accompanied by severe allergic reactions or other complications, or if the patient is allergic to perilla, consuming perilla without medical evaluation is not recommended, as it may worsen the condition or trigger adverse reactions.
