In Vietnam, perilla leaves are a type of fragrant vegetable that grows easily in gardens and pots. They are sold in the market for a few thousand Vietnamese dong for a bundle. In Japan, however, these leaves are sold individually and can cost up to 700 dong per leaf.
In Vietnam, it is common to ask for perilla leaves in gardens, and they are cheaply available in supermarkets. But these inexpensive leaves are actually very beneficial.
Vietnamese people often use perilla leaves as fresh herbs in dishes, such as in bún riêu and as a seasoning in ốc om chuối. It is also commonly used as a herbal medicine in Vietnam, added to porridge, boiled water, and for steam inhalation.
In Japan, perilla leaves are popular for their skin whitening properties and are a must-have ingredient in sushi.
Perilla leaves thrive in damp soil and bright light. They do not require pesticides and have two-colored leaves, with one side being purple and the other side being green. They are also used as indoor ornamental plants in kitchens.
Recently, perilla tea has been used by many people to enhance their health. The extract from perilla stems and leaves has an inhibitory effect on intestinal bacteria, intestinal bacteria infections, and staphylococcus; some fungi that cause skin diseases; it also enhances gastric and intestinal motility; reduces mucus secretion in the bronchi and delays bronchial spasms.
The amazing benefits of perilla leaves
Relieves cold symptoms
Perilla leaves are classified in traditional medicine as a cooling herb, used to treat early symptoms of diseases. Drinking perilla leaf tea, boiling perilla porridge, and sweating can relieve symptoms such as indigestion, heat relief, throat inflammation, hoarseness, and cold-induced sweating. The simplest method is to boil water with perilla leaves and drink it while it is still warm.
Helps improve skin condition
Perilla leaves are rich in antibacterial components that help reduce inflammation. Many women use fresh perilla leaf water to reduce pus-filled pimples. Drinking perilla leaf water stimulates sweat secretion, thereby enhancing the elimination of harmful toxins for the body in general and the skin in particular. Perilla leaves can also be used externally by applying them to treat acne, washing the face, and whitening the skin.
Supports gout treatment
Perilla leaves have the effect of reducing uric acid in the blood of users. This helps improve the condition of people suffering from gout. However, patients should still consult a treating doctor to use it in balance with prescribed medications.
Perilla leaves support cholesterol control and cardiovascular health
Perilla helps control cholesterol levels in the body and improves cardiovascular health. Perilla seeds also contain oils that increase good cholesterol. This reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. Perilla also contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid that protect the heart. These compounds can help protect the heart and blood vessels from damage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Perilla plants support liver health
Compounds such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid in perilla are also components that protect the liver and counteract the harmful effects of alcohol and beer. A study showed that people with fatty liver disease who supplemented with perilla extract had lower liver enzymes. In addition, perilla leaves also help improve liver function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver.