Can boiled eggs with perilla relieve coughing and excessive phlegm?

Jul 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Perilla-cooked eggs may help alleviate mild coughing with excessive phlegm caused by a cold due to wind-cold invasion. When coughing and excessive clear sputum occur due to wind-cold attack, accompanied by cold intolerance and absence of sweating, moderate consumption of Perilla-cooked eggs may help relieve respiratory discomfort and ease symptoms, due to Perilla's function of dispersing cold and regulating qi, especially when consumed warm. Cold and raw foods should be avoided to prevent irritation.

Generally, perilla leaf boiled eggs may help alleviate mild coughing with excessive phlegm caused by a cold due to wind-cold invasion, but they cannot relieve coughing with excessive phlegm caused by wind-heat or infections. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If coughing with thin and excessive phlegm occurs due to cold invasion (wind-cold), accompanied by cold sensitivity and absence of perspiration, moderate consumption of perilla leaf boiled eggs may help. Perilla leaf has the effect of dispersing cold and regulating qi, and combined with its warm preparation method, it may help alleviate respiratory discomfort and relieve symptoms. However, consumption of raw or cold foods that may trigger symptoms should be avoided.

If coughing with excessive phlegm is triggered by a wind-heat cold, characterized by yellowish, thick phlegm that is difficult to expel, or by bacterial infection causing severe coughing with foul-smelling phlegm, perilla leaf boiled eggs will not provide relief. Due to its warming nature, it may exacerbate internal heat symptoms, leading to increased phlegm production. Targeted medical treatment is necessary for symptom improvement.

In daily life, dietary habits should be adjusted according to symptoms, and indoor air circulation should be maintained. If coughing with excessive phlegm persists or worsens, prompt medical attention is advised to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate, standardized treatment to prevent worsening symptoms and ensure proper recovery.