Knowledge Base/Herbs/Perilla Fruit

Educational and cultural reference only — not medical advice. We do not diagnose, do not prescribe, do not recommend medicines or doses, and make no claim to treat or cure any condition. Nothing here should delay you from seeking care. If you have a health concern, consult a licensed healthcare professional.

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Perilla Fruit zǐ sū zǐ · 紫苏子

Perilla frutescens (Perillae Fructus)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and warm; Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Traditionally classed as directing Qi downward and dissolving phlegm, as stopping cough and calming wheezing, and as moistening the intestine to ease constipation. Recorded for cough and panting with congested phlegm and rebellious Qi, and for dry-type constipation; classical sources also note it for the oppressive discomforts of the middle burner attributed to stuck Qi.

性味归经。辛，温；归肺、大肠经。

传统归类为降气化痰、止咳平喘、润肠通便。古籍用于痰壅气逆之咳嗽气喘，以及肠燥便秘；亦有用于中焦气滞不适的记载。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.

Safety. Because it moistens and opens the bowel, it is classically unsuitable where the stool is loose or the Spleen digestion is weak, and it is not the right choice for a long-standing weak cough without phlegm congestion. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. One practical identification note: this entry is the fruit, and it is not interchangeable with perilla leaf (紫苏叶) or perilla stem (紫苏梗), which are described differently — nor with perilla seed oil sold as a food oil, which is a pressed oil rather than the crude drug.

因有润肠通便之性，传统认为便溏、脾虚运化弱者不宜，久咳无痰壅者亦非所宜。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。一条辨识提醒：本条为**果实**，与紫苏叶、紫苏梗传统记载不同、不可互替；也不同于作为食用油出售的紫苏子油 —— 后者是压榨油而非药材本身。

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