Traditional folk remedies using perilla plant

According to Dr. Huynh Tan Vu, Specialist II, University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City (Branch 3), perilla is widely grown and found in most Vietnamese households. In folk medicine, perilla is used to treat colds, fever, headaches, sore throats, vomiting, nosebleeds, bloody dysentery, and postpartum hemorrhage. The usual dosage is 6–12g in the form of a decoction or powder.

Additionally, oregano is extracted to make essential oil, which has skin-nourishing, anti-aging, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and cold-treating effects. Some studies suggest that oregano may help delay menopause, stimulate digestion, and support the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Here are some folk remedies using perilla.

Treating heatstroke and sunstroke: Crush about 50g of fresh perilla leaves with a few pieces of fresh ginger, squeeze out the juice and drink it, use the remaining pulp to rub along the spine. Alternatively, you can use 20g of dried perilla leaves, roast them until golden brown, boil them with 200ml of water until only 100ml remains, drink it while still hot, then cover yourself with a blanket to induce sweating.

Treating postpartum hemorrhage and nosebleeds in women: Boil 15g of dried and roasted perilla leaves with 200ml of water until only 100ml remains, then divide into 2-3 doses to drink throughout the day.

Cold medicine: Use equal amounts of oregano, perilla, basil, mugwort, and patchouli flowers, decoct them several times, and concentrate the mixture into pills the size of corn kernels. When suffering from a cold, take 7–8 pills with bamboo leaf water. Children should take 2–4 pills. This remedy can also be used to treat dysentery (taken with a decoction of plum blossom).

Body aches, headache, and no sweating: Boil 20g of perilla leaves in water and drink the hot decoction three times a day.

Treating heat rash in infants: Drinking and bathing daily with a decoction made from fresh perilla leaves helps prevent rashes, prickly heat, and boils.

Treating boils and breast swelling: Combine 12g of perilla with plantain, honeysuckle, dandelion, Poria cocos, burdock, and licorice root (10g each), decoct with 400ml of water until only 100ml remains, and drink twice a day.

Treating hoarseness and cough: Use 12g each of perilla, mulberry leaves, rehmannia root, and mulberry bark, combined with 8g each of processed pinellia and perilla, and 4g of tangerine peel, decoct and drink once a day.

Support for the treatment of hemorrhoids: Use 12g of Mentha arvensis, Gallnut, and Phellodendron amurense, combined with 4g of alum, decoct to obtain 300ml of liquid, and soak the anus daily.

Treating allergic rhinitis: 8g of oregano flowers, 8g of mint, 8g of basil flowers, 12g of *Cynanchum stauntonii* (a type of herb), 12g of *Cynanchum stauntonii* leaves (a type of herb), decoct and drink twice a day.

Treating headaches and dizziness caused by wind-related illnesses: Powdered marjoram flowers, take 12g at a time with wine.

Skin beauty: Perilla has a high essential oil content and warming properties, helping to treat skin conditions such as rashes and allergies, stimulating sweating, and keeping pores clear.

Facial steaming recipe: Wash 100g of perilla, 100g of mugwort, and 100g of basil thoroughly, then boil them with 500ml of water. Pour the water into a small basin, add a little salt and the juice of half a lemon. Steam your face for 20-30 minutes before bed or after waking up. Consistent use for about a week will help improve acne and blackheads.

Perilla is an herb with many health benefits. However, before using perilla as medicine, people should consult a doctor to avoid unwanted side effects.