Drinking Perilla Leaf and Ginger Tea Is Better Than Any Tonic — Here’s What It Can Do for Your Body

Perilla leaves and ginger are familiar culinary herbs, but when combined in a warm drink, they offer a wide range of powerful health benefits. This simple herbal tea can improve your immunity, aid digestion, relieve cold symptoms, and even support weight loss.

Perilla and Ginger: More Than Just Flavor Boosters

According to Dr. Bui Dac Sang from the Hanoi Traditional Medicine Association, perilla (shiso) leaves have a spicy, warm nature. They are known in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fever-reducing, anti-cold, and anti-nausea properties. They’re also commonly used to help ease pregnancy-related discomfort and treat various everyday ailments.

Ginger, also spicy and warm, is often used to eliminate food odors, balance "cold" foods, and strengthen digestion. Ginger tea is also a well-known remedy for boosting energy and combating colds.

When perilla and ginger are used together, they create a powerful herbal infusion that can benefit your health in several ways.

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1. Relieve Cold and Flu Symptoms

Perilla and ginger tea is an effective traditional remedy for colds and coughs. To enhance its effects, you can also add dried mandarin peel.

How to make it:

• Use the peel of one mandarin orange, 3 slices of fresh ginger, and a handful of perilla leaves.

• Rinse the ingredients thoroughly, then place them in a pot and add water.

• Bring to a boil, simmer briefly, then strain and drink while still warm.

• Wrap yourself in a blanket to sweat—this helps reduce fever and relieve cold symptoms.

Alternatively, you can cook a warming porridge with these ingredients:

• Prepare plain rice porridge, then add chopped perilla, green onions, and ginger.

• Crack in one egg, stir well, and eat while hot.

• This comforting dish helps restore energy and reduce fatigue from colds.

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2. Soothe Cough, Bloating, and Abdominal Pain

Perilla juice is helpful for digestive discomfort:

• Crush fresh perilla leaves and extract the juice.

• Add a pinch of salt and drink to ease bloating and abdominal pain.

For cough and chest tightness:

• Boil perilla leaves with mulberry root to make a soothing tea that clears the respiratory tract and relieves coughs.

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3. Support Weight Loss

Perilla tea may aid in weight management when used in moderation. It contains plant-based protein, vitamins, and essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron, which help boost metabolism, enhance fat burning, and reduce fat absorption.

How to make it:

• Rinse perilla leaves and place in a pot with enough water.

• Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 2 minutes.

• Let the tea cool before drinking. Add a few slices of fresh lemon for flavor.

• Store leftover tea in the fridge and drink it 10–30 minutes before meals for best weight-loss support.

Note: Do not overconsume this tea. Use it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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Other Notable Health Benefits

Perilla leaves are rich in essential oils, especially alpha-linolenic acid, a type of unsaturated fatty acid known for its anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing properties. Studies show that perilla extract can help combat Staphylococcus, E. coli, and Shigella bacteria.

In traditional medicine, perilla paste was used externally to disinfect wounds, stop bleeding, and promote healing without scarring.

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In summary: A simple cup of perilla and ginger tea can bring numerous health benefits, especially when used as part of a mindful daily routine. From fighting off colds to supporting digestion and metabolism, this herbal duo offers a natural boost better than many supplements.