The efficacy and function of perilla leaves

Everyone is familiar with perilla leaves, of course some people are unfamiliar with them. In fact, perilla leaf is a relatively common Chinese medicinal material. So what exactly does basil leaf do?

【English name】 FOLIUM PERILLAE

【Other name】 Perilla leaf

[Source] This product is the dried leaves (or young branches) of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt, a plant of the Lamiaceae family. Harvest in summer when the branches and leaves are lush, remove impurities and dry in the sun.

[Properties] The leaves of this product are mostly wrinkled, curled and broken. The intact leaves are oval when flattened, 4 to 11 cm long and 2.5 to 9 cm wide. Apex long pointed or acute, base rounded or broadly cuneate, margin serrate. Both surfaces are purple or the upper surface is green, the lower surface is purple, sparsely covered with grayish-white hairs, and the lower surface has many pit-like glandular scales. The petiole is 2 to 7 cm long and is purple or purple-green. Crisp texture. For those with young branches, the diameter of the branches is 2 to 5 mm, purple-green in color, and there is pith in the middle of the cross section. It has a light fragrance and a slightly spicy taste.

【Identification】 (1) Preparation of leaf surface of this product: Some cells in the epidermal cells contain purple pigment. When adding 10% hydrochloric acid solution, it will immediately turn red; or when adding 5% potassium hydroxide solution, it will turn bright green and then turn yellow-green.

[Processing] Remove impurities and old stems; or spray with clean water, chop and dry.

【Nature and flavor】 Spicy, warm.

[return through meridians] Return to the lung and spleen meridians.

【Functions and indications】 Relieve exterior symptoms and dispel cold, promote qi circulation and harmonize the stomach. Used for colds, coughs, nausea, vomiting during pregnancy, and fish and crab poisoning.

【Usage and Dosage】 5～9g.

【Storage】Keep in a cool and dry place.

[Remarks] (1) Perilla leaves can dispel superficial cold and have a strong diaphoretic effect. They are used for wind-cold superficial symptoms, such as aversion to cold, fever, and no sweating. They are often used together with ginger. If the superficial symptoms are accompanied by qi stagnation, they can be used together with Cyperus rotundus, dried tangerine peel, etc. Perilla leaves are used to treat spleen and stomach qi stagnation, chest tightness, and nausea, regardless of whether there are external symptoms or not. They are used for their effect of promoting qi and relieving fullness. Clinically, they are often used in combination with Patchouli. In addition, this product can promote qi circulation and stabilize the fetus, and is often used together with Amomum villosum and dried tangerine peel to treat nausea during pregnancy and fetal movement disorder. Perilla is pungent and warm, and can detoxify fish and crab poisons. After being poisoned by fish and crabs, you can take it alone or boil it with ginger.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Pharmacopoeia

【Source】 "Medicine Properties"

Through the above description, we know what perilla leaves are and what effects they have. Perilla leaves have high medicinal value and are beneficial to improving the immune system. They are a worthy choice for us.