What Is Perilla Leaf?

Perilla Leaf is the leaf of *Perilla frutescens*, a plant belonging to the genus *Perilla*, tribe Elsholtzieae, family Lamiaceae (Labiatae), and order Lamiales. It is also commonly known as “Su Ye.” The leaves are broad-ovate or nearly round, and may be green or purple in color. Perilla Leaf serves two primary purposes: culinary use and medicinal use. As a food ingredient, it is widely used in cooking; it is also employed as a raw material in the production of certain pharmaceuticals. Harvested during summer when the stems and leaves are lush, the leaves are cleaned to remove impurities and then sun-dried. They possess a fragrant aroma and a slightly pungent taste. The entire plant is used medicinally: the leaves and stems exert effects of promoting diaphoresis and dispelling wind-cold, while the seeds help descend Qi and relieve wheezing. Perilla Leaf is a standard commodity in traditional Chinese medicine markets nationwide.