Perilla ~ Perilla frutescens

Perilla

Latin name: Perilla frutescens

Family: Lamiaceae

Part used: seeds, leaves

Habitat: S.E. and E. Asia

Main constituents: essential oil, monoterpenoid furans, pseudotannins, flavonoids, antioxidants, b-sitosterol

Energetics: pungent, spicy, warm

Main herbal actions: stomachic, analgesic

Minor herbal actions: TNF reducing

Main medicinal uses: cold and flu, congestion, perspiration, fever, cough, allergic reactions

Minor medicinal uses: atopic dermatitis, asthma, fish and crab poisoning

Preparations: powder: 2-10 g qd

Contraindications: should not be boiled for a long time

Toxicity: perilla ketone can produce pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in animals (not noted in humans); parts of plant are toxic

Sources: http://www.herbnet.com/Herb%20Uses_OPQ.htm; http://plantsdatabase.com/go/31437/; http://www.hoptechno.com/cherbex1.htm