Perilla and ginger are two spices commonly used in cooking, and when combined, they create a healthy beverage.
Benefits of Perilla
In traditional medicine, perilla leaves are believed to have a warming effect and a pungent taste. They are said to enter the lung and spleen meridians. Perilla leaves are used to dispel wind, tonify Qi, and relieve bloating.
These leaves are effective in treating common cold caused by wind-cold, as well as stomach disorders, nausea, and chest congestion.
In cases of abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea due to food poisoning from crab or fish, perilla leaves can be a helpful remedy.
Benefits of Ginger
Ginger, according to traditional medicine, also has a warming effect and a pungent taste. It enters the lung, stomach, and spleen meridians. Ginger is commonly used in formulas to stop coughing, expel phlegm, prevent vomiting, warm the stomach, and relieve external symptoms.
It is effective in treating coughs with phlegm and vomiting caused by the common cold.
What Are the Benefits of Combining Perilla and Ginger?
Perilla leaves help regulate the middle burner, disperse Qi, expel cold, and detoxify. They are often used to treat Qi deficiency with a cold aspect, disharmony between the spleen and stomach, externally contracted wind-cold, vomiting, and food poisoning. Ginger also expels cold and warms the stomach, preventing nausea. Additionally, it induces sweating, which is beneficial for treating flu and coughs.
While perilla has a warming effect, ginger helps clear heat. Combining these two ingredients and brewing them into a drink provides various benefits, including nutrient supplementation and detoxification.
- Cold Relief
Take some perilla leaves, add shredded ginger and scallions to a cup of hot water, and let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid, add honey or sugar to taste, and drink it while it’s still warm.
This concoction helps dispel wind, clear heat, induce sweating, expel cold, and alleviate abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough caused by the common cold. It also helps relieve external symptoms.
- Wind-Chasing Tea
Take some perilla leaves, fresh ginger, and seeded red dates. Boil these ingredients in water for about 5 minutes. Pour the liquid into a cup and drink it while it’s warm.
This tea helps warm the Yang, eliminate dampness and cold, and harmonize the spleen and stomach. It is particularly useful when one gets caught in the rain during travel.
- Regulating Qi and Soothing the Stomach
Take 10 grams each of perilla leaves and orange peel, and 15 grams of shredded ginger. Put them in a cup, add boiling water, and let it steep for about 10 minutes. You can add brown sugar to taste. This drink helps soothe the stomach and is suitable for people with stomach pain caused by cold. It alleviates symptoms such as abdominal distension, chest tightness, and nausea.
While the perilla and ginger drink offers numerous health benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Those with allergies to any of the ingredients should avoid consuming this beverage. Pregnant women should also refrain from excessive consumption of perilla as it can increase blood pressure and stimulate the uterus, which may be detrimental to both mother and child.
Individuals with high blood pressure or a hot constitution should use perilla and ginger sparingly as they can elevate blood pressure and cause internal heat, leading to acne breakouts.
In conclusion, the perilla and ginger drink provides a range of health benefits, including immune-boosting and detoxification effects. However, moderation is key, and excessive consumption should be avoided.
