Perilla As Alternative Medicine

Perilla As Alternative Medicine

Perilla is an alternative medicine used commonly in Chinese medicine. It belongs to the mint family and the Chinese used it to boost the immune system.

1. It is used to treat lung complaints such as cough.
2. It is a remedy for asthma and some allergies.
3. It is a treatment for sunstroke, fever and nausea.
4. It eases the symptoms of flu and cold.
5. It is a remedy for morning sickness.

Perilla is available as seeds, powder, stems whole or dried. This herb is also often blended with other ingredients in herbal formulas. A tea or decoction can be made from the stem. The stem is used by pregnant women for morning sickness. Perilla stem is safe and have no side effects even in larges doses. The stem does not shown any interactions with drugs.

Standard dosage for perilla seeds is 5 to 10 grams a day. However, for anyone with breathing problems or coughs, avoid taking the seeds. The seeds are also not recommended for those with spleen deficiency related loose stools.

Most of the time medicinal herb is not recommended for use by expectant women. In this rare instance, Perilla is one alternative medicine that can be safely taken by women when pregnant.