Perilla is a common herb but a “renowned” medicine in traditional Eastern medicine discovered by the legendary physician Hua Tuo.

Perilla, scientifically known as Perilla frutescens, is also called "Tử tô" or "Tử tô ngạnh." It is one of the eight species of perilla belonging to the mint family, similar to basil.

Perilla is an herbaceous plant, growing 0.5 - 1 meter tall, with opposite leaves that are serrated, purple on the underside, and sometimes purple, brown, or green on both sides with rough hairs. Perilla flowers are small, forming long clusters at the branch tips, and are white or purple with four stamens that do not extend outside the flower.

Perilla fruit is a spherical achene. The entire plant contains aromatic essential oils and has hairs. The variety with curled leaf edges has higher usage value.

1.   Detoxification from eating crab or fish

2.   Treat allergies from seafood or cold exposure

3.   Cold relief

4.   Digestive issues