Zǐ Sū Yè (紫苏叶) — Perilla leaf / Shiso leaf

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Zǐ Sū Yè (紫苏叶) — Perilla frutescens (leaf) — is known in English as Perilla leaf / Shiso leaf. It belongs to the category of Herbs that release the Exterior — warm and acrid in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Zǐ Sū Yè as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Releases the Exterior and disperses Wind-Cold — a gentle Wind-Cold herb safe in pregnancy
2. Moves Qi and harmonises the Middle Jiao — relieves nausea and stops vomiting
3. Calms the fetus — the most important herb for morning sickness and nausea in pregnancy
4. Resolves Seafood toxicity — traditionally used for fish and crab poisoning

Indications

1. Morning sickness and nausea in pregnancy — one of the safest herbs
2. Wind-Cold invasion with nausea and digestive symptoms combined
3. Qi stagnation with nausea, bloating and digestive discomfort
4. Seafood poisoning — a classical indication (combine with ginger)
5. Breast abscess in the early stage (external poultice)

4. Key formulas containing Zǐ Sū Yè

Zǐ Sū Yè appears in the following key formulas:

• Ban Xia Hou Po Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Perilla frutescens (Zi Su Ye, Shiso) is widely consumed as a culinary herb in East Asian cooking and has significant medicinal properties. Key bioactive constituents include rosmarinic acid, luteolin, apigenin, perillaldehyde and essential oils. Research confirms anti-inflammatory effects (rosmarinic acid is a potent COX-2 inhibitor), antiemetic properties, significant anti-allergic effects (luteolin and apigenin inhibit mast cell degranulation and IgE production — making it important for allergic rhinitis and food allergies), antibacterial activity and antidepressant effects. Clinical research confirms Zi Su Ye-based formulas superior to placebo for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. The anti-allergic effects are particularly relevant for modern practice.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use in short courses for exterior conditions — not for prolonged use as it causes sweating and depletes Qi. Avoid in patients with Qi deficiency and profuse sweating. Use fresh or lightly dried — the medicinal volatile oils degrade with prolonged storage.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Zǐ Sū Yè as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Morning sickness, Allergies, Digestive disorders. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.