Perilla is not only a spice that enhances the flavor of dishes, but also a medicinal herb in traditional medicine. However, its use must adhere to certain principles to avoid harming health.
According to Dr. Huynh Tan Vu, Specialist Level 2, Day Treatment Unit, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, perilla leaves, scientifically known as Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt, are herbaceous plants with opposite leaves and distinctly serrated edges.
The pharmacological value of perilla stems from the diversity of its bioactive compounds. Chromatographic and spectroscopic analyses reveal that perilla leaves contain many important active substances. Essential oils account for approximately 0.5-1.5% of the dry weight. The main components include perillaldehyde, which gives perilla its characteristic aroma, along with limonene, linalool, and β-caryophyllene.
In addition, polyphenols and flavonoids such as rosmarinic acid, luteolin, and apigenin are also recognized for their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, contributing to the many health benefits of this herb.
The medicinal value of perilla comes from the diversity of its bioactive compound groups. PHOTO: AI
Perilla as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine.
In traditional Chinese medicine, perilla is considered a familiar herb, with almost every part of the plant usable as medicine. Perilla has a spicy taste, warm nature, and fragrant aroma, and is often used to relieve colds, regulate qi (vital energy), and aid digestion.
Depending on the part used, the uses of perilla vary. Perilla leaves are commonly used for colds with symptoms such as mild fever, aversion to wind, headache, nasal congestion, and minimal sweating. Perilla stems help stabilize pregnancy, alleviate chest and rib discomfort, abdominal pain due to qi stagnation, or nausea in pregnant women. Meanwhile, perilla seeds have expectorant properties and are often used for coughs, asthma, excessive phlegm, and shortness of breath.
In folk medicine, perilla is also used in many remedies. When suffering from a cold, people often use about 15-20g of fresh perilla leaves, washed and finely chopped, added to hot porridge to relieve the cold, or boiled with a few slices of fresh ginger to drink. After consumption, it is advisable to rest and keep the body warm to induce light sweating.
For cases of allergies or discomfort after eating seafood, fresh perilla leaves can be crushed, the juice extracted and drunk, and the remaining pulp applied to the affected skin area. Additionally, perilla leaves or stems can be brewed into a diluted tea to help reduce nausea in pregnant women.
However, the above methods are mainly supportive and based on folk remedies. Dosage may vary depending on individual health conditions; if severe or unusual symptoms appear, patients should go to a medical facility for examination and appropriate advice.
When suffering from a cold, people often add about 15-20 grams of fresh perilla leaves, washed and finely chopped, to hot porridge to help relieve the symptoms. PHOTO: AI
Safety and precautions
Dr. Vu noted that although perilla is a mild medicinal herb, its use must adhere to certain principles:
Contraindications: People with wind-heat colds (high fever, excessive sweating, thirst) or those with yin deficiency and internal heat (frequent hot flashes, internal heat) should not consume large amounts of perilla because the warming properties of the herb may worsen the condition of dryness and heat.
Avoid overuse: Do not use perilla leaf decoction as a substitute for plain water for extended periods in healthy individuals, as excessive sweating can lead to fluid loss and fatigue.
Drug interactions: Due to its high omega-3 content and mild anticoagulant properties, caution should be exercised when combining large amounts of perilla with anticoagulants (such as Warfarin, Aspirin) to avoid the risk of bleeding.