The source is from the leaf of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. acuta (Thunb.) Kudo., family Labia-tae. The producing areas are in all parts of China. The medicinal material is collected in summer and autumn, dried in shade and the crude form is used for medication. Medicinal Properties Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, and attributive to the lung and spleen meridians. Actions Relieve superficial pathogenic factors to dissipate cold, and promote the circulation of qi and regulate the function of the stomach. Application 1. It is used for superficial syndrome of wind and cold type with anhidrosis and cough. It is often combined with Xingren ( Semen Pruni Armeniacae), such as Xingren San (Powder); it can circulate qi as well, so it can be used for wind-cold syndrome due to exogenous attack, with sensation of fullness and oppression in the chest and epigastric region due to qi stagnation. It is often combined with Xiangfu (Rhizoma Cyperi), such as Xiang Su San (Powder) to expel exterior wind and cold and interior qi- stagnation. 2. It is used for the stagnation of spleen-qi and stomach-qi with fullness in the chest and vomiting. It is often combined with Jupi (Pericarpium Citri Tangerinae ), Banxia ( Rhizoma Pinelliae ) , Huoxiang ( Herba Agastachis), etc., such as Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Powder); for excessive heat syndrome, combined with Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis); for morning sickness, vomiting and no appetite or feeling of oppression in the thorax during pregnancy, combined with Jupi ( Pericarpium Citri Tangerinae), Sharen (Fructus Amomi), etc.. In addition, it can also relieve fish and crab poisoning. It can be used in single or combined with Shengjiang ( Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), Jupi (Pericarpium Citri Tangerinae), and Huoxiang (Herba Agastachis ), etc. to treat poisoning with vomiting and diarrhea after intake of fish and crab. Usage and Dosage 3 -10 g is used in decoction for oral use. But it is not suitable to be decocted for a long time. Explanation During treatment, either its leaves or its stems are often used in separation. Its stems are pun-gent in flavor and warm in nature, can promote the circulation of qi and regulate the function of the stomach and spleen, therefore, it is often used for stagnation of spleen-qi and stomach-qi, and depression of liver-qi, and not used for superficial syndrome.
