Zi Su Ye "Purple fish-grain leaf" Perilla Leaf Perilla frutescens
Properties: acrid warm aromatic/acrid
Channels: Lung Spleen
Functions: Dispels Wind-Cold and regulates Lung Qi
Descends rebellious Stomach Qi to stop vomiting; okay for morning sickness
Detoxifies sea food poison to harmonize the Spleen and Stomach and stops
stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhea.
Dosage in decoction: 3-12g cook only 10 minutes
Distribution: Throughout China, Taiwan and Japan. Perilla
grows in the Eastern half of the US from Massachusetts to Florida and west to
Texas and Idaho. It can be found in damp woods, old gardens, roodsides, etc.
Cultivation: Plant seeds in the beginning of April. Grow in full sun
or partial shade
Harvest: Leaves are harvested throughout the summer when flowers are open.
Zi Su Geng Zi Su Geng is the Perilla Stem. It is acrid, sweet and
slightly warm, entering the Lung, Spleen and Stomach channels. This herb
is primarily for morning sickness as it is said to "calm the fetus." It also
regulates qi in the chest. Stems are collected in the summer as well or after the
flowers have seeded. Stems are soaking in water for a short time then covered with
a damp cloth until the middle of the stem turns white. Then the stem is sliced
and dried in the sun. The proper dosage is 5-10g and is also cooked only 10 minutes.
A pregnant woman who is past the 1st trimester may take Zi Su Ye and Zi Su Geng
together for Wind-Cold.
References:
1. Herbal Emissaries bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. Steven Foster and
Yue ChongXi. 1992. Healing Arts Press, Rochester, Vermont. pp. 307-311.
2. Lecture and notes from Pharmacopoeia III 1999. Dr. Li Jin,
OMD, Seattle, Washington. p. 4.
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Index