The Herb Eaten with Salmon Salad Is an Excellent Cold Remedy
Speaking with our reporter, Dr. Ngo Duc Phuong, Director of the Institute of Vietnamese Medicinal Plants, noted that perilla (scientific name Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt.), a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), is a well-known medicinal plant in traditional medicine across Vietnam and many Asian countries.
According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, perilla has an acrid taste and warm nature. It works to dispel wind-cold and induce mild sweating, thereby driving cold-causing factors out of the body. This is why perilla is often used at the earliest onset of cold symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, chills, and fatigue.
Beyond its documented place in traditional medicine, modern studies also show that perilla contains numerous health-promoting pharmacological components.
Perilla leaves contain essential oils (0.3–0.5%), rich in active compounds such as perillaldehyde, limonene, and linalool, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, mild anti-allergic properties, and warm the body. Furthermore, perilla contains flavonoids and rosmarinic acid—compounds that deliver antioxidant benefits and support immune system enhancement.
“It is the essential oils in perilla that swiftly ease symptoms like a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and chills, proving especially effective before a patient develops a high fever. However, using it early yields evident results; waiting too long diminishes its effectiveness,” emphasized Dr. Ngo Duc Phuong.
Simple and Easy-to-Prepare Remedies:
According to folk experience, at the first signs of a cold, one can use: 10–15g of fresh perilla leaves, wash thoroughly, crush lightly, and steep in 300ml of boiling water, then drink while still warm. You may also add a few slices of fresh ginger to enhance its warming, wind-cold dispelling effects and help the body recover faster. After drinking, rest well and avoid cold drafts.
In addition, perilla is commonly incorporated into dishes such as perilla rice porridge, perilla soup, and salmon salad... aiding digestion while helping to ward off colds during weather changes.
3 "Don'ts" When Using Perilla for Cold Relief
Experts advise that perilla is not suitable for every condition; specifically:
- Do not use in cases of high fever, intense thirst, dry mouth, or a red tongue—these are signs of internal heat syndrome.
- Avoid drinking cold water immediately after consuming perilla, as this can easily diminish its therapeutic effects.
- If symptoms worsen or a high fever persists, monitor closely and seek medical attention; do not rely on prolonged self-treatment.