The role of basil

Ornamental value

Perilla leaves come in two colors: green and purple, with very different styles. They have a fresh flavor and purple bouquets like lavender. The whole plant is not large in area, so it is suitable for planting on home balconies and is highly ornamental.

Medicinal value

Used for colds and wind-colds: Perilla can dispel superficial cold and has a strong sweating ability. It is used for superficial symptoms of wind-cold, such as aversion to cold, fever, and no sweating. It is often used together with ginger. If the superficial symptoms are accompanied by qi stagnation, it can be used together with Cyperus rotundus, dried tangerine peel, etc.

Used for chest tightness, nausea and other symptoms: Perilla is used for spleen and stomach qi stagnation, chest tightness, nausea, regardless of whether there are external symptoms or not. It can be used for its effect of promoting qi and relieving fullness. Clinically, it is often used in combination with Patchouli.

Dietary value

Perilla is often used as medicine in China, but it can also be used in cooking in other countries. In a few areas of China, it is also used as a vegetable or to make tea.

Perilla leaves can relieve exterior symptoms and dispel cold, promote qi and harmonize the stomach, and can be used to detoxify fish and crabs.

Perilla stems can promote qi circulation, relieve fullness, prevent vomiting, and can be used to treat indigestion caused by spleen and stomach qi stagnation.

Perilla seeds can relieve cough and asthma, eliminate phlegm and remove blood stasis. The oil produced can be eaten and has obvious therapeutic effects on coronary heart disease and hyperlipidemia.

Koreans use perilla to make kimchi, and fresh perilla leaves can also be used to make salads. Perilla seeds are used as a seasoning for meat dishes and are also used to make perilla sesame salt. Koreans are accustomed to eating barbecue with fresh perilla leaves.

Vietnamese people use basil leaves in stews and dishes, or as a garnish on Vietnamese rice noodles.