Zi Su Ye - Perilla Leaf

TCM Materia Medica

Zi Su Ye TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "zi su ye" which in english is Zi Su Ye herb"perilla leaf", is categorized within the "herbs that release the exterior wind cold" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the lung and spleen channels and exhibits acrid, aromatic and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 3-9g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Release the exterior, disperse cold - wind-cold w/fever
  • Resolve qi stagnation, open chest - vomiting, nausea
  • Calm restless fetus - morning sickness
  • Seafood poisoning - alone or in combination w/other herbs

Zi Su Ye may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: food poisoning, morning sickness, nausea and/or vomiting

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, zi su ye is generally included in the following 3 formulas:

ViewBan Xia Hou Po Wan (Pinellia & Magnolia Pills)

Plum pit qi (globus hystericus) and/or difficulty with swallowing from liver qi stagnation. Coughing, hiccups, nausea and possible vomitting from rebellious qi and phlegm.

ViewDing Chuan Wan (Calm Wheezing Pills)

Directs the lung qi downward and clears phlegm heat from the lungs.  Typically used for the condition of wind cold blocking the exterior with internal accumulation of phlegm heat - which may involve …

ViewHuo Xiang Zheng Qi Wan (Agastache Powder to Correct the Qi)

Acute flu or cold symptoms including fever, aversion to cold, headaches, sinus pressure, runny nose. Vomitting and diarrhea from interior damp with possible abdominal cramps or pains.

As noted above, zi su ye is within the herbs that release the exterior wind cold functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... many are acrid and warm used when fever is mild, chill severe, headache, body & neck pain, no thirst focus is on the superficial layer of the body and lung precautions: do not overdose herbs that promote sweating – disperses qi too much a…)".

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