Perilla Vine (Zi Su Geng): Health Benefits, Uses, and Traditional Remedies

Perilla Vine (Zi Su Geng, 紫苏梗) is a treasured herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), known for its ability to regulate Qi, support digestion, and relieve respiratory issues. Used for centuries, this medicinal vine is valued for its warming properties that help alleviate bloating, nausea, and chest congestion.

Beyond its healing benefits, Zi Su Geng is also a flavorful addition to herbal teas and natural wellness routines. Whether you're seeking digestive support, respiratory relief, or a natural way to harmonize the body’s Qi, discover the many uses of Perilla Vine in this comprehensive guide.

What is Perilla Vine (Zi Su Geng)?

Perilla Vine (Zi Su Geng, 紫苏梗) is a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), valued for its ability to regulate Qi, improve digestion, and support respiratory health. As a part of the Perilla frutescens plant, this vine is often used in herbal formulations to relieve bloating, nausea, and chest congestion while promoting overall wellness.

This guide explores scientifically-backed health benefits, traditional uses, dosage recommendations, and modern applications of Zi Su Geng to establish it as an essential herb for natural health solutions.

Health Benefits of Perilla Vine (Zi Su Geng)

1. Supports Digestive Health and Relieves Bloating

Zi Su Geng is commonly used in TCM to soothe the stomach, promote digestion, and relieve bloating. It works by moving stagnant Qi in the digestive system, preventing discomfort caused by overeating or indigestion.

Best Ways to Use:

• Brew Zi Su Geng tea after meals to aid digestion.

• Combine with ginger or chen pi (tangerine peel) for enhanced stomach-soothing effects.

• Take Perilla Vine extract for fast-acting relief from bloating.

2. Regulates Qi and Reduces Stress

Zi Su Geng is known for its ability to harmonize the flow of Qi, making it beneficial for reducing tension, stress, and emotional imbalance. It helps relieve stagnant liver Qi, which is often associated with anxiety and mood swings.

Best Ways to Use:

• Drink Zi Su Geng herbal tea during stressful periods.

• Combine with chrysanthemum or licorice root for calming effects.

• Use in aromatherapy preparations with perilla essential oil.

3. Supports Respiratory Health and Relieves Cough

The warming nature of Zi Su Geng makes it effective for expelling phlegm, soothing coughs, and relieving chest congestion. It is commonly used in TCM to treat cold-related respiratory issues.

Best Ways to Use:

• Brew Zi Su Geng tea with honey for cough relief.

• Take as a tincture or herbal syrup during cold seasons.

• Combine with Platycodon root (Jie Geng) or licorice root for stronger lung support.

4. Promotes Circulation and Reduces Swelling

Zi Su Geng is believed to help with blood circulation and is often used to relieve mild swelling, fluid retention, and discomfort caused by stagnant Qi.

Best Ways to Use:

• Drink Zi Su Geng tea with red dates and goji berries for circulation support.

• Use as a warm herbal compress on swollen areas.

• Take in capsule or extract form for systemic circulation benefits.

5. May Provide Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Perilla Vine contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for protecting cells from oxidative stress.

Best Ways to Use:

• Drink Zi Su Geng tea regularly for long-term immune support.

• Combine with green tea or ginseng for enhanced effects.

• Use Perilla Vine extract in skincare formulations for inflammation relief.

Traditional and Modern Uses of Zi Su Geng

How to Prepare and Use Perilla Vine (Zi Su Geng)

1. Zi Su Geng Herbal Tea Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon dried Zi Su Geng

• 1 cup boiling water

• Optional: honey, ginger, or tangerine peel

Directions:

1. Steep Zi Su Geng in boiling water for 10 minutes.

2. Strain and add honey or ginger for additional benefits.

3. Drink 1-2 cups daily to support digestion and respiratory health.

2. Zi Su Geng Tincture

A tincture is a concentrated extract that allows for easy use and storage.

Instructions:

• Fill a jar with dried Zi Su Geng.

• Cover with alcohol (vodka or brandy).

• Let sit for 4-6 weeks, shaking occasionally.

• Strain and store in a dark bottle.

• Take 10-15 drops in water, 1-2 times daily.

Produce Description

Common Name: Perilla Vine
Botanical Name: Perilla fruitescens folium
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Zi Su Geng
Perilla Stem Dosage: Consult your healthcare professional for correct use.
Perilla Stem Precautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Perilla Stem Benefits & Information

Perilla Stem, a member of the mint family, is a traditional Chinese herb used for a variety of benefits, each depending on the part of the plant in use. Leaves are used in cooking and the plant has a high oil content. In traditional Chinese medicine the stem is used to regulate the flow Qi in the chest, soothe the middle energizers, quiet the fetus and ease pain. Perilla Stem benefits digestive health.
Perilla Stem Properties:  Warm, Sweet, Pungent, Acrid
Perilla Stem Channels: Liver, Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine, Stomach
Perilla Stem Naturally Occurring Components:  alpha linoleic acid, caryophyllene, flavones, linoleic acid, menthol, stearic acid, amino acids, camphene, fiber, lipids, omega fatty acids, volatile oil, beta carotene, carotenoids, eicosenoic acid, limonene, lutein, phenolic acid, rosmarinic acid, vitamins, minerals

Herbs that Combine With Perilla Stem

Angelica Dahurica     White Peony    Bamboo Shavings    Atractylodes

Review Perilla Stem Forms and Sizes Below

Reference
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Perilla-Stem-Cid937
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10394348/
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/zi-su-geng
http://www.itmonline.org/articles/perilla/perilla.htm
https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral/perilla_stem.php