Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae) is from the leaf of Perilla frutescens var. acuta, family Labiatae. The leaves are normally collected in the summer and autumn, dried in the shade and used in this crude form.
Category: Exterior Releasing.
Common Name: Perilla Leaf.
Channels Entered: Lung and Spleen.
Properties and Functions: Zi Su Ye is pungent in flavour and warm in nature. It releases the exterior and disperses Cold, and promotes the circulation of Qi to harmonise the middle jiao. Additionally, it can detoxify food poisoning relating to fish and seafood.
Indications: Clinically, it is used for the following:
- Exterior syndrome of Wind and Cold type with lack of sweating and cough, or Wind-Cold syndrome with fullness and oppression in the chest and epigastric region due to Qi stagnation.
- Spleen-Qi and Stomach-Qi stagnation with fullness in the chest and vomiting.
- Morning sickness, vomiting and no appetite, or feeling of oppression in the chest during pregnancy.
- Relieves food poisoning relating to consumption of fish, crab and seafood. In particular, vomiting and diarrhoea associated with food poisoning.
Dosage: 3 – 10g
Cautions and Contra-Indications: Its use is not suitable in cases of exterior deficiency with excess sweating or for cases of warm pathogenic diseases.