What are the functions and benefits of perilla seed leaves?

Jul 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Perilla leaf, as a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, has functions and effects including relieving superficies and dispersing cold, regulating qi and widening the middle jiao, soothing the fetus, detoxifying fish and crab poisons, preventing dizziness, and relieving vomiting. Perilla leaf has a pungent and warm property, which can disperse wind-cold and is suitable for symptoms of common cold caused by external contraction of wind-cold, such as fever with aversion to cold, headache and body pain, nasal obstruction and runny nose, cough and hoarseness. By dispersing wind-cold, it helps the body expel external pathogens.

Generally speaking, as a common traditional Chinese medicine, Perilla frutescens leaves have functions and benefits including relieving superficies and dispersing cold, regulating qi and widening the middle jiao, stabilizing pregnancy, detoxifying fish and crab poison, preventing dizziness, and relieving vomiting. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Relieving superficies and dispersing cold: Perilla frutescens leaves are pungent and warm in nature, capable of dispersing cold pathogens. They are suitable for symptoms of colds caused by external contraction of cold, such as fever with chills, headache and body pain, nasal congestion and runny nose, cough and hoarseness. By dispersing cold pathogens, they help the body expel external pathogens and alleviate discomfort caused by colds.

2. Regulating qi and widening the middle jiao: Perilla frutescens leaves can regulate qi and relieve chest tightness and abdominal distension caused by qi stagnation of the spleen and stomach, poor appetite, and other symptoms. By regulating the qi movement of the spleen and stomach, they alleviate gastrointestinal bloating and discomfort, help restore the normal function of the spleen and stomach, and promote appetite.

3. Stabilizing pregnancy: Perilla frutescens leaves have the effect of stabilizing pregnancy, suitable for symptoms such as morning sickness and fetal restlessness during pregnancy. They can regulate the qi and blood in pregnant women, alleviate vomiting and fetal restlessness caused by qi stagnation, help pregnant women maintain bodily stability, and promote healthy fetal development.

4. Detoxifying fish and crab poison: In traditional medicine, Perilla frutescens leaves are commonly used to neutralize toxins from fish and crab, suitable for abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms that occur after consuming fish and crab. They can neutralize toxins from fish and crab, alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort caused by improper consumption, and reduce symptoms of poisoning.

5. Preventing dizziness and relieving vomiting: Perilla frutescens leaves also have the effect of preventing dizziness and relieving vomiting, suitable for nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness such as carsickness or seasickness. They can regulate the internal environment of the body, alleviate discomfort caused by motion sickness, and help reduce symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

When using Perilla frutescens leaves, attention should also be paid to their contraindications and precautions, and they should be used appropriately according to individual constitution and health condition.

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Is cooking eggs with perilla leaves effective for treating qi and blood deficiency?

If the symptoms of qi and blood deficiency are mild, manifesting as occasional fatigue and slightly poor complexion, cooking eggs with perilla leaves can provide nutritional support through the eggs, while the perilla leaves assist in regulating the body's condition. Long-term moderate consumption can offer foundational nourishment and help alleviate minor discomforts. However, if the symptoms of qi and blood deficiency are significant, presenting as dizziness, palpitations, pale complexion, reduced menstrual flow, or are caused by anemia, chronic illness, and other conditions, further medical evaluation and treatment may be necessary.

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Can brown sugar be added when cooking eggs with perilla leaves?

It is acceptable to add brown sugar when cooking eggs with perilla leaves, especially suitable for individuals experiencing discomfort due to cold exposure. However, individuals with elevated blood sugar levels are advised against adding brown sugar. During the early stage of a cold caused by wind-cold invasion, when symptoms such as mild chills and clear nasal discharge appear, adding a small amount of brown sugar when cooking eggs with perilla leaves can enhance the cold-dispersing effect due to brown sugar's warming and nourishing properties. It also improves taste and is suitable for those with a cold constitution to consume in moderation, while paying attention to controlling the quantity of brown sugar used.