What are the benefits of perilla leaves and how to use them for health?

Perilla leaves are not only a staple herb in many dishes, but also a health-friendly medicinal plant. Many folk remedies using perilla leaves have become handy tips in Vietnamese households. So what are the benefits of perilla leaves? The following article helps you understand more.

1. What health benefits do perilla leaves have?

Perilla leaves are dark green in color, with reddish-purple veins inside. For a long time, Vietnamese people have passed on many remedies using this herb, and it is indispensable in many traditional dishes. Studies have shown that perilla leaves may help in treating flu, food poisoning, asthma, respiratory viruses, diabetes…

Some notable benefits of this herbal remedy include:

1.1. Fighting respiratory pathogens

Research has shown that extracts from perilla leaves can inhibit the replication of the COVID‑19 virus in multiple ways. Thus, perilla leaves become a friendly natural remedy with a role in supporting the suppression of the growth of SARS-CoV-2 as well as other respiratory viruses. 
Also, extracts from this herb help in asthma treatment by improving airway circulation and lung function. This information is cited from a study published in Archives of Allergy and Immunology. 

1.2. Enhancing skin beauty

The compound “priseril” found in perilla leaves helps improve pigmentation and remove dead skin cells relatively effectively. From this perspective, perilla leaves help the skin become more even in tone and brighter. Additionally, the vitamin E content in perilla leaves also enhances moisture and helps make the skin smoother. 

1.3. Anti-allergic, cardiovascular and nervous system protection

Extracts from perilla leaves can help prevent allergic reactions within the body. The omega-3 content in these leaves is relatively high, so it has good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and also is a source of energy to improve cognitive function in the brain, thereby helping prevent the risk of dementia in older people. Especially, omega-3 when absorbed daily also supports cardiovascular health. 

1.4. Treating gout and good for digestion

There are up to four active compounds in perilla leaves that can reduce the enzyme xanthine oxidase — the agent that promotes uric acid formation which causes gout. Experiments show that daily use of extracts from perilla leaves improves uncomfortable digestive symptoms, acid reflux, and mild constipation in irritable bowel syndrome. 

1.5. Can.cer prevention

A large amount of luteolin, rosmarinic acid and triterpene in perilla leaves have been shown to have the ability to fight hidden can.cer cells in the body. 

1.6. Treating skin conditions

Drinking perilla leaf water can improve itching and hives on the skin. Using this water daily is especially effective in alleviating symptoms of irritability and itching in people with urticaria (hives). 

1.7. Supporting weight reduction

Perilla leaf water has a lot of plant protein, minerals, fiber and vitamins so it accelerates the digestive process of the stomach and thereby reduces the risk of being overweight and obese. 

1.8. Stabilising autoimmune diseases

Compared to many other vegetable oils, perilla seed oil contains more alpha-linolenic omega-3 acid. So what role do perilla leaves play in this respect? Omega-3 acid is very good for controlling autoimmune conditions such as asthma, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Asthma patients may respond relatively well to treatment with perilla seed oil because this herbal remedy can inhibit airway constriction and reactions to inhaled irritants. Additionally, perilla seed oil suppresses the movement of white blood cells to the lung, preventing the risk of anaphylactic shock — an abnormal immune response of serious severity and life-threatening when not treated immediately. 

2. How to cook perilla leaf water for health and remedies using perilla leaves

2.1. Cooking perilla leaf water

Once you know what benefits perilla leaves have for health, you may be interested in ways to prepare this miraculous herb. To cook perilla leaf water ensure you take an adequate amount of leaves, wash thoroughly, soak in salted water, then boil 2.5 litres of filtered water and add the perilla leaves, cover with a lid. 
Allow the mixture to boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat, let it cool, pour into a clean bottle, add three slices of fresh lemon, cover again and store in the refrigerator. Each day drink this before the three main meals about 10-30 minutes to reduce the amount of food intake and prevent fat absorption. 
Note: Perilla leaf water should not be used by people who sweat a lot, feel hot easily, pregnant women or children. Each day drink at most 3-4 cups of perilla leaf water, divided into multiple times.

2.2. Remedies using perilla leaves

• For cold relief: Use a handful of fresh perilla leaves with 3 slices of ginger and 2 small onions, chop them, then crack an egg into a bowl of porridge, mix well, and eat hot. 

• For bloating, stomach ache: Crush a handful of perilla leaves with a little salt, then strain the juice and drink.

• For shortness of breath, cough: Use the part above the root of mulberry tree (with the white peeled skin) together with perilla leaves in a pot with just enough water; cook until only one bowl of water remains then strain and drink. 

We hope the information in the article helps you know what benefits perilla leaves have so that you won’t overlook this inexpensive, easily-available natural remedy.