Natural Herb Library

Perilla Leaf Oil

Chinese
紫苏叶油
Pinyin
Zi Su Ye You
Latin
Oleum Folii Perillae
Botanical illustration of Perilla Oil, Perilla frutescens, showing medicinal leaf-oil preparation and diagnostic source details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Zi Su Ye You (紫苏叶油), this acrid, warm herb enters the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach. Traditionally, it releases wind-cold and opens the chest in concentrated aromatic form when mild surface symptoms mix with nausea, fullness, or cold-damp stagnation, most often applied for common cold, nausea, and poor appetite. Modern research has identified Perillaldehyde among its active constituents.

Part used: Oil

Also Known As

Perilla essential oil Perilla frutescens leaf oil

Latin: Oleum Folii Perillae | Pinyin: Zi Su Ye You | Chinese: 紫苏叶油

TCM Properties

Taste
acrid
Temperature
warm
Channels
Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Releases wind-cold and opens the chest in concentrated aromatic form when mild surface symptoms mix with nausea, fullness, or cold-damp stagnation.
  • Moves Qi and harmonizes the middle more rapidly than the crude leaf when the volatile fraction is the main active component sought.
  • Provides an external aromatic anti-inflammatory preparation for localized skin or surface irritation.

Secondary Actions

  • This is a preparation-state record of the perilla leaf family and should not be confused with perilla seed oil, which belongs to the seed record and a different fixed-oil tradition.
  • Because it is concentrated, it is less forgiving than ordinary Zi Su Ye decoction.

Classical References

  • Traditional medicinal logic follows the perilla leaf lane of exterior release, Qi movement, and middle harmonization, but with the sharper penetration of a volatile oil.
  • The oil preparation is more a practical aromatic derivative than a heavily documented classical decoction herb.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Perillaldehyde
  • Limonene
  • Beta-caryophyllene
  • Leaf volatile fractions

Studied Effects

  • A 2022 study found perilla essential oil from stems and leaves reduced imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation, supporting external anti-inflammatory use of the volatile fraction (PMID 35566346).
  • Broader review work continues to position Perilla frutescens as an anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and respiratory-relevant medicinal food plant whose leaf essential oil is one of its active fractions (PMID 37538863).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Undiluted internal essential-oil use
  • Marked Yin-deficiency heat
  • Known perilla allergy

Cautions

  • Perilla leaf oil is more concentrated and potentially more irritating than ordinary leaf use or culinary perilla.
  • Even though perilla leaf itself is often gentle, the essential oil should be handled like a concentrated aromatic product.
  • MSK page not found ... drug interaction data not available from Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine database.

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perilla Leaf Oil used for?

Perilla Leaf Oil is traditionally used to Releases wind-cold and opens the chest in concentrated aromatic form when mild surface symptoms mix with nausea, fullness, or cold-damp stagnation., Moves Qi and harmonizes the middle more rapidly than the crude leaf when the volatile fraction is the main active component sought., Provides an external aromatic anti-inflammatory preparation for localized skin or surface irritation.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2022 study found perilla essential oil from stems and leaves reduced imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like inflammation, supporting external anti-inflammatory use of the volatile fraction (PMID 35566346).; Broader review work continues to position Perilla frutescens as an anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and respiratory-relevant medicinal food plant whose leaf essential oil is one of its active fractions (PMID 37538863)..

What are other names for Perilla Leaf Oil?

Perilla Leaf Oil is also known as Perilla essential oil, Perilla frutescens leaf oil. In TCM: 紫苏叶油 (Zi Su Ye You); Oleum Folii Perillae.

Is Perilla Leaf Oil safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Perilla Leaf Oil during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Perilla Leaf Oil?

Perilla Leaf Oil should not be used in: Undiluted internal essential-oil use; Marked Yin-deficiency heat; Known perilla allergy. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.