Natural Herb Library

Perilla Stem

Chinese
紫苏梗
Pinyin
Zi Su Geng
Latin
Caulis Perillae
Botanical illustration of Perilla Stem, Perilla frutescens, showing stem segments, nodes, and diagnostic Zi Su Geng details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Zi Su Geng (紫苏梗), this acrid, warm herb enters the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach. Traditionally, it promotes Qi movement and relieves fullness, especially for chest or epigastric constraint with nausea, belching, or poor appetite, most often applied for nausea, nausea pregnancy, and abdominal distension. Modern research has identified Rosmarinic among its active constituents.

Part used: Stem

Also Known As

Perilla frutescens stem Su Geng

Latin: Caulis Perillae | Pinyin: Zi Su Geng | Chinese: 紫苏梗

TCM Properties

Taste
acrid
Temperature
warm
Channels
Lung, Spleen, Stomach

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Promotes Qi movement and relieves fullness, especially for chest or epigastric constraint with nausea, belching, or poor appetite.
  • Harmonizes the middle and stops vomiting when stomach Qi is constrained rather than blazing with heat.
  • Calms the fetus and eases pregnancy-related nausea or abdominal discomfort in traditional use.

Secondary Actions

  • Compared with the leaf, the stem is less exterior-releasing and more centered on Qi movement and pregnancy-compatible harmonizing use.
  • Compared with the seed, it is lighter and less focused on cough or bowel moistening.

Classical References

  • Traditional Chinese materia medica describes Zi Su Geng as a warm acrid stem that regulates Qi, relieves pain, harmonizes the middle, and calms the fetus.
  • Its identity is especially useful when digestive and pregnancy-related indications are more prominent than surface symptoms.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Rosmarinic acid-related phenolics
  • Flavonoids
  • Aromatic stem-and-leaf constituents

Studied Effects

  • Review literature on Perilla frutescens clinical applications consistently includes stem use within the broader digestive, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory value of the plant family, while noting that stem-specific modern data remain limited (PMID 36978975).
  • A broad modern review also emphasizes that leaves, stems, and seeds are all medicinal parts with overlapping but distinct roles, which supports keeping Zi Su Geng separate from the leaf monographs (PMID 37538863).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Warmth-aggravated heat patterns without stagnation

Cautions

  • Modern stem-specific pharmacology is much thinner than the traditional literature, so claims should stay conservative.
  • Preparation strength matters ... concentrated extracts are not interchangeable with ordinary stem decoction.

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Perilla Stem used for?

Perilla Stem is traditionally used to Promotes Qi movement and relieves fullness, especially for chest or epigastric constraint with nausea, belching, or poor appetite., Harmonizes the middle and stops vomiting when stomach Qi is constrained rather than blazing with heat., Calms the fetus and eases pregnancy-related nausea or abdominal discomfort in traditional use.. Research has investigated its effects on: Review literature on Perilla frutescens clinical applications consistently includes stem use within the broader digestive, anti-inflammatory, and respiratory value of the plant family, while noting that stem-specific modern data remain limited (PMID 36978975).; A broad modern review also emphasizes that leaves, stems, and seeds are all medicinal parts with overlapping but distinct roles, which supports keeping Zi Su Geng separate from the leaf monographs (PMID 37538863)..

What are other names for Perilla Stem?

Perilla Stem is also known as Perilla frutescens stem, Su Geng. In TCM: 紫苏梗 (Zi Su Geng); Caulis Perillae.

Is Perilla Stem safe during pregnancy?

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

What are the contraindications for Perilla Stem?

Perilla Stem should not be used in: Warmth-aggravated heat patterns without stagnation. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.