Botanical Overview
Perilla frutescens (folia) is a species in the family Lamiaceae, widely used in East and Southeast Asia including China, Japan, and Korea. The leaf, commonly called Perilla leaf or Shiso, is the primary part utilized medicinally and culinarily. Known as Beefsteak plant and Japanese basil, this herb is valued for its aromatic and flavorful leaves.
Energetics
Perilla leaf is considered cooling and moistening in nature, with a predominantly pungent, bitter, and aromatic taste profile. Its energetic directionality is ascending, and it exerts a relaxing tonicity primarily influencing the qi system.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidant
- Antiallergic
- Antimicrobial
- Digestive stimulant
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Allergic rhinitis
- Cough
- Asthma
- Indigestion
- Nausea
Syndromes
- Respiratory inflammation
- Allergic disorders
- Digestive discomfort
TCM
- External wind-cold invasion
- Headache
- Nasal congestion
- Cough
Syndromes
- Wind-cold invasion syndrome
Ayurveda
No substantial traditional indications documented.
Unani
No substantial traditional indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
The primary phytochemical constituents include perillaldehyde, rosmarinic acid, luteolin, oleanolic acid, flavonoids, volatile oils, and other phenolic compounds, which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction 3-6 g daily
- Infusion 3-9 g daily
- Fresh or dried leaf used as culinary herb
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when consumed in typical culinary or traditional medicinal amounts. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in individuals sensitive to the Lamiaceae family. Caution is advised regarding use during pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data. Potential additive effects with anticoagulant medications should be considered.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-documented planetary or elemental rulers were identified in traditional esoteric sources.
Selected References
- Plants For A Future – Perilla frutescens
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Vol. 2 (1999)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Edition by Dan Bensky et al.
- Chen et al., Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review of Perilla frutescens, PubMed (2018)