Perilla, Perilla seed, Zi Su Zi

Perilla Semen, Perilla seed, Zi Su Zi 紫苏子

Perilla seed
Zi Su Zi (TCM)

Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, vol. 50 (1823)

Perilla frutescens
(Photo by Dalgial) (Wikimedia)

Uses:

1. Stops Cough and Wheezing:
-Cough, Wheezing
-fullness and stifling of the Chest from excess Phlegm
-“Stops Coughing, eliminates Phlegm” (Da Ming)
2. Warms the Interior, Stop Rising Qi:
-“brings down the adverse ascending gas, warms the interior and disperses the invading pathogenic Cold” (Ming Yi Bie Lu)
-“helps increase weight, useful in Consumption (Da Ming)
-“Facilitates Circulation of Qi” (Li Shi Zhen)
3. Moistens Intestines:
-Constipation associated with dryness
-“Facilitates Stool and Urination” (Da Ming)

Dose:

Decoction: 3–9 grams

Comment:

“Perilla seed (Zi Su Zi) and Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye) have similar functions. When it is intended to disperse the invading pathogenic Wind, Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye) should be used. If it is wished to clear the upper and lower portion of body, Perilla seed (Zi Su Zi) is a better drug.” (Li Shi Zhen)

Main Combinations:

1. Cough and Wheezing:
i. with excess Phlegm, Perilla seed with Fritillaria Zhe Bei Mu
ii. with excess Phlegm, Perilla seed with Pinellia Ban Xia, Cynanchun Bai Qian
2. To lower acsending Qi, Perilla seed with Tangerine peel (Ju Pi / Chen Pi)
3. Constipation from dryness:
i. Perilla seed with Cannabis seed (Huo Ma Ren) or Sesame (Hei Zi Ma), or Linseed
ii. more severe constipation, Perilla seed with Rhubarb and Fennel seed

Major Formulas:

Ding Chuan Tang
San Zi Yang Qin Tang