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What is Perilla Frutescens? Understanding the Difference Between Pubescent and Glabrous Varieties.

Introducing the wondrous world of Herba Lysimachiae, more commonly known as the Sweet-Wort or Lo-Shu herb. This remarkable plant has garnered much attention for its purported health benefits. But what exactly is it, and what sets the two varieties, the hairy and smooth Sweet-Wort, apart? Unravel the mysteries of this intriguing herb and discover why it has captured the interest of health enthusiasts worldwide.

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10 July, 2024

Sương sâm is a popular cooling dessert in Vietnam, made from the leaves of a vine commonly found in the country’s rural areas. But did you know that beyond its culinary use, the plant offers a plethora of health benefits? Join us as we delve into the world of sương sâm, exploring its medicinal properties and learning how to distinguish between its two varieties: sương sâm lông and sương sâm trơn.

1What is Sương Sâm?

Sương sâm, also known as sâm lông or dây xanh leo, is a vine that typically crawls and clings to walls or other plants for support. It is native to India, China, and Vietnam, with a strong presence in the latter’s South-Central and South-Eastern regions. The vine can grow to impressive lengths, ranging from 3 to 5 meters, and even up to 10 meters for older, more established plants.

Sương sâm leaves

The sương sâm vine is characterized by its deep-rooted system, contributing to its robust and resilient nature. In Vietnam, two primary varieties of sương sâm are recognized: sương sâm lông and sương sâm trơn, which we will differentiate later in this article.

Sương sâm vine

2Benefits of Sương Sâm Leaves

Beyond its culinary applications, sương sâm leaves boast a range of health benefits. They contain high levels of cissamparein and hayatidin, compounds recognized for their medicinal properties in both traditional and modern medicine. Sương sâm is particularly effective in cooling the liver, treating stomach ailments, and managing high blood pressure.

In Vietnam, sương sâm jelly is often consumed as a refreshing treat during hot summer days, and it is believed to promote digestive health and prevent constipation.

Benefits of sương sâm leaves

3Differences Between Sương Sâm Lông and Sương Sâm Trơn

Characteristic	Sương Sâm Lông	Sương Sâm Trơn
Distribution	Forest areas	Southwestern Vietnam
Leaves	Covered with fine hair on the underside; can be used fresh or dried for jelly	Smooth and stiff leaves; only fresh leaves can be used for jelly
Fruit	Red or yellow	Purple
Jelly	Dark-colored and chewy	Pale green and smooth in texture

Distinguishing between sương sâm lông and sương sâm trơn

4How to Grow and Care for Sương Sâm

Sương sâm is indigenous to Vietnam, and while it used to be predominantly found in forests, it is now widely cultivated. Let’s explore the methods for growing each variety and the general care instructions for this beneficial plant.

Growing Sương Sâm Trơn

When propagating sương sâm trơn, it is advisable to select older, more mature vines, as seeds are less commonly used for this variety.

Step 1 Choose vines that are over a year old.

Step 2 Coil the selected vine into two or three rounds.

Step 3 Place the coiled vine into a pot or directly into the ground. Wait for about one to two months for the vine to take root and produce new leaves before cutting and relocating it to its permanent position.

Note: Ensure that you do not cut the vine away from the parent plant during this entire process.

Growing sương sâm trơn

Growing Sương Sâm Lông

For sương sâm lông, propagation through seeds is more common. Here’s the process:

Step 1 Select dry seeds that have been harvested at least a month ago to increase the chances of germination.

Step 2 Soak the seeds for two days.

Step 3 Plant the seeds in soil and keep them warm and moist for three to four weeks. Once the seeds have germinated and produced new leaves, they can be transplanted to your garden.

Growing sương sâm lông

Caring for Sương Sâm

When planting sương sâm in rows, maintain a minimum distance of one meter between each row, and avoid overcrowding the plants. Alternatively, you can opt to grow sương sâm in pots, with a maximum of one plant per pot. Another method is to create a trellis by driving wooden stakes into the ground around each plant and tying them together with nylon string.

Regularly weed the area around the base of the plant and water it every seven to ten days. Occasional fertilization around the base of the plant is also recommended. Sương sâm is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it is susceptible to root rot if the soil becomes too waterlogged. Therefore, ensure that the soil is well-drained and airy.

You can start harvesting mature leaves for jelly-making purposes after growing sương sâm for three to four months.

Caring for sương sâm

We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights into the world of sương sâm, including its benefits, cultivation, and the distinction between its two varieties. Happy gardening and stay cool with this wonderful plant!

Frequently asked questions

Perilla frutescens, also known as perilla or Korean perilla, is a herb in the mint family that is native to Southeast Asia and Indian highlands.

The two main varieties of Perilla frutescens are the pubescent and the glabrous varieties. The pubescent variety has hairy leaves and stems, while the glabrous variety has smooth, hairless leaves and stems.

The pubescent variety has a more vibrant green color on its leaves and stems due to the presence of fine hairs, while the glabrous variety has a darker green color and a smoother appearance.

Yes, the two varieties also differ in their chemical composition. The pubescent variety has a higher concentration of perillaldehyde, which gives it a distinct spicy flavor and aroma. The glabrous variety, on the other hand, has a higher concentration of rosmarinic acid, which gives it a slightly bitter taste.

The pubescent variety is commonly used in traditional medicine and as a culinary herb in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines. The glabrous variety is mainly used for its medicinal properties, especially in Chinese and Japanese medicine.

While Perilla frutescens is generally considered safe, excessive consumption of the herb may cause stomach upset in some individuals. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating any new herb or supplement into your diet.