Zǐ Sū Zǐ (紫苏子) — Perilla Seed
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1. Overview
Zǐ Sū Zǐ (紫苏子) — the seed of Perilla frutescens — is a pungent, warm Chinese herb that descends Lung Qi, stops cough and wheeze, transforms Phlegm and moistens the Intestines. It is the chief herb of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, the classical formula for upper-excess lower-deficiency cough with thick phlegm. The seed is rich in alpha-linolenic acid and is the basis of commercial perilla seed oil.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Zǐ Sū Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 紫苏子 |
| Latin name | Fructus Perillae / Perilla frutescens |
| English name | Perilla seed |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Pungent |
| Channels entered | Lung, Large Intestine |
| Category | Transform Phlegm, stop cough |
| Dosage | 5–10 g, decocted |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Descends Lung Qi, transforms Phlegm and stops cough — for cough and wheeze with copious thick phlegm and obstructed Lung Qi.
- Moistens the Intestines and unblocks the bowels — for constipation with dryness, particularly in elderly patients with concurrent cough.
4. Key formulas
- Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang — chief herb; for upper-excess lower-deficiency cough.
- San Zi Yang Qin Tang — with Bai Jie Zi and Lai Fu Zi for elderly patients with cough, abundant phlegm and reduced appetite.
5. Cautions
Caution in patients with Spleen deficiency and diarrhoea. Generally well tolerated.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I use Zi Su Zi for chronic productive cough and post-viral cough where thick phlegm persists. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
