Perilla leaf (Zi Su, also called shiso) is and How People Use It

Perilla leaf . known in Chinese as Zi Su (紫苏) and botanically as Perilla frutescens . is one of the most familiar hierbas in East Asian kitchens and in Medicina Tradicional China (TCM). People reach for it for different reasons: some simmer the leaves into a warming tea at the first sign of a chill, others fold them into rice, sushi, or soups for flavour and aroma. If you searched for "perilla leaf benefits," "Zi Su TCM," or "what is shiso," this guide brings the traditional picture and the modern research together . and explains, plainly, what the evidence does and does not say.

What is perilla leaf (zi su)?

Perilla is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its slightly serrated, often purple-tinged leaves and square stems. Two common forms appear in markets: the green-leaved Perilla frutescens var. crispa (often called shiso in Japanese cooking) and the purple form more common in Chinese and Korean dishes. In TCM, the dried above-ground parts . especially the leaves . are used, while the ripe seed (Zi Su Zi, perilla fruit) is prepared and used separately.

Traditionally, perilla leaf is described as having a pungent (acrid) taste and a warm nature, and as moving through the Lung and Spleen meridians. Those descriptors belong to the TCM framework for classifying how an herb is traditionally understood . they are not claims about treating specific diseases. Understanding that distinction is the first step to reading any TCM source responsibly.

Traditional uses in TCM

Classical Chinese materia medica place perilla leaf among the "release the exterior" (解表) hierbas. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic) and, centuries later, the Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica, compiled by Li Shizhen in the 16th century) record perilla as a plant traditionally used to help the body "release the exterior" and to regulate qi in the middle burner. In everyday practice it has long been paired with fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang) in teas, and used alongside tangerine peel (Chen Pi) to support digestion.

A traditional preparation is simple: a small handful of fresh or dried perilla leaves gently simmered with a few slices of ginger in water, sometimes with a touch of brown sugar. This is cultural home practice . comforting and familiar . not a clinical protocol. These uses reflect how perilla has been used historically, and they should be read as heritage, not as modern medical recommendations.

For the complementary herb in this pairing, see our guide to dried tangerine peel (Chen Pi) in TCM. Background on the plant and its culinary history is also summarised in open references such as the encyclopedic entry on Perilla.

What modern research says

Modern phytochemistry has identified several compounds in perilla leaf . notably rosmarinic acid, various flavonoids (including luteolin and apigenin), and volatile oils. Laboratory and some animal studies have investigated these compounds for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. A practical starting point for primary literature is the PubMed index of perilla frutescens research.

It is important to be precise about the strength of evidence: most of this work is preclinical (test-tube and animal studies), and human clinical trials are limited. The U.S. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reminds readers that "natural" does not mean "safe for everyone in every amount." Their overview of using herbal products is a useful reference: NCCIH . Using Dietary Supplements Wisely.

In short, research on perilla is active and interesting, but it has not established perilla leaf as a treatment for any medical condition. We present it here as a culturally significant herb with a growing research footprint . not as medicine.

Safety and who should be cautious

Because perilla is consumed both as food and as a traditional herb, context matters:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Culinary amounts in food are generally recognised as common, but concentrated extracts, supplements, or medicinal doses are a different matter. Speak with a qualified healthcare provider before using perilla therapeutically during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Medication interactions: If you take any prescription medication (especially for blood pressure, diabetes, or blood thinning), check with your provider before adding herbal supplements.
• Allergies: People allergic to other Lamiaceae hierbas (mint, basil, sage) may react to perilla. Discontinue use and seek care if you notice itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
• Children: Keep herbal concentrates away from young children unless directed by a paediatric professional.

This page is educational. It does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and it is not a substitute for advice from a licensed clinician.

Pairing perilla with herbal crystal routines

At Laxne, we do not claim that hierbas or cristales treat illness. What we do offer is a small daily ritual: the aromatic, grounding qualities people associate with perilla sit naturally alongside the tactile calm of a handmade herbal-pulsera de cristal. Many customers enjoy a cup of perilla tea while they pause, breathe, and put on a pulsera de hierbas from our collection . a moment of stillness rather than a remedy.

If you are exploring TCM-inspired self-care, our Bai He Yu Rong (Lily Bulb) Herbal Bracelets pair a soothing botanical theme with rose and lily imagery. For the bigger picture, our introduction to the Five Elements in Chinese culture explains how hierbas like perilla fit into a much older worldview.

Frequently asked questions

Is perilla leaf safe to consume daily?

In normal food amounts (as a leaf in cooking or tea), perilla is a common traditional food for many people. Regular therapeutic or supplemental use is a separate question . check with a healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a chronic condition.

Can perilla leaf replace my medication?

No. Perilla leaf is not a substitute for prescribed medicine. This article is educational and is not medical advice. Never change or stop a prescribed treatment without consulting your clinician.

How is perilla used in TCM versus cooking?

In the kitchen, perilla (shiso) is used for flavour, colour, and aroma . in rice, sushi, soups and pickles. In TCM, the dried leaf is traditionally classified to "release the exterior" and regulate qi, usually prepared as a decoction with other hierbas such as ginger. The two traditions overlap in the plant but differ in purpose and preparation.

Which Laxne bracelet pairs with a calming herbal routine?

Many customers choose a herbal-pulsera de cristal for a simple daily pause. We present these as lifestyle and wellness objects, not as treatments.

Written by Tianke, Laxne's TCM-curious content lead. This article reflects traditional knowledge and publicly available research as of 2026 and is reviewed for general accuracy . it is not personalised medical guidance.

If you are curious to explore more, browse our medicina china bracelet collection, each piece handcrafted with traditional hierbas and genuine stones.