Many people use perilla leaves as a spice or herb to enhance the flavor of dishes, without realizing that these leaves have surprising health benefits. Perilla, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, has purple and green leaves, a spicy taste, and a warm nature. According to traditional Chinese medicine, perilla leaves have functions such as dispelling wind-cold, resolving phlegm, detoxifying, and supporting the treatment of asthma, and promoting blood circulation.

Surprising Uses of Perilla Leaves, What Diseases Can Perilla Leaves Treat? – Image 1. Perilla leaves come in purple and green varieties. (Source: Sohu)

Modern research has also identified the main components of perilla oil, including alpha-linolenic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, vitamin E, and other trace elements. Below are the benefits that perilla leaves bring.

Allergy Prevention, Treatment of Coughs, and Anti-inflammatory Effects

Traditional medicine suggests that perilla leaves can be used to treat coughs. A study from Japan once demonstrated that perilla extract could inhibit allergic reactions on mouse skin.

Perilla leaves contain various flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, vitamin K, B-carotene, and other components that restore immune function, reduce inflammatory reactions, and have a special effect on the respiratory system.

Therefore, perilla leaves are very useful in reducing or eliminating allergy symptoms. Perillaldehyde, the source of the aroma of perilla, stimulates digestive fluid secretion, soothes nerves, and eliminates nausea and vomiting.

Skin Beauty

Perilla leaves contain beta-carotene, an essential nutrient for metabolism.

It also has antioxidant effects and can reduce damage caused by ultraviolet rays to skin cells. This substance promotes the normal metabolism of the skin and has a beautifying effect.

Preventing Memory Loss in the Elderly

Alzheimer’s disease is caused by the accumulation of “beta-amyloid protein” in the brain. The “rosmarinic acid” component in perilla leaves inhibits the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein and has an antidepressant effect.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties

Perilla leaves have various pharmacological effects such as antibacterial, antiviral, hemostatic, antioxidant, and anti-tumor. Studies have shown that perilla leaf extract can inhibit the increase of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, preventing other respiratory viruses from invading the body.

Perilla leaves have a cooling effect, relieving symptoms of colds. Additionally, perilla leaves can be used in foot soaking with ginger to prevent foot odor and promote blood circulation.

Stimulating Appetite

The aroma of perilla leaves stimulates the olfactory nerves, promotes gastric juice secretion, and increases appetite. Some delicious dishes can be combined with perilla leaves to enhance flavor, such as perilla meat porridge, snails cooked with perilla and banana flowers, stuffed tomatoes with perilla, etc.