Zǐ Sū Zǐ (紫苏子), known in English as Perilla seed (Perilla frutescens (fruit)), is a warm, acrid Chinese herb from the Resolve phlegm category. It enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels. Its main action: directs qi downward, transforms Phlegm.
| Pinyin | Zǐ Sū Zǐ (Zi Su Zi) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 紫苏子 |
| English | Perilla seed |
| Botanical name | Perilla frutescens (fruit) |
| Category | Resolve phlegm |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels | Lung, Large Intestine |
| Dosage | 3–10g |
| Cautions | Chronic cough from qi deficiency; Spleen deficiency with loose stools |
Actions
- Directs qi downward, transforms Phlegm
- Stops cough, calms wheezing
- Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels
Indications
- Phlegm congestion with rebellious qi: cough and wheezing with copious Phlegm
- Constipation from intestinal dryness
How to remember Zǐ Sū Zǐ
Most Resolve phlegm herbs enter the Lung channel.
- You can work these out
- Lung channel: from its action “transforms Phlegm”
- Large Intestine channel: from its action “Moistens intestines”
- Learn by heart
- Warm: Resolve phlegm herbs vary in nature
- Acrid: Resolve phlegm herbs vary in flavour
Formulas containing Zǐ Sū Zǐ
Other Resolve phlegm herbs
- Bàn Xià
- Guā Lóu
- Tiān Nán Xīng
- Zào Jiǎo Cì
- Jié Gěng
- Chuān Bèi Mǔ
- Zhè Bèi Mǔ
- Zhú Rú
- Tiān Zhú Huáng
- Hǎi Zǎo
- Kūn Bù
- Pí Pá Yè
- Xìng Rén
- Zǐ Wǎn
- Bǎi Bù
- Kuǎn Dōng Huā
- Sāng Bái Pí
- Tíng Lì Zǐ
- Bái Jiè Zǐ
- Bái Qián
- Qián Hú
- Xuán Fù Huā
- Bái Guǒ
- Qīng Méng Shí
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Zǐ Sū Zǐ?
Zǐ Sū Zǐ is warm and acrid.
Which channels does Zǐ Sū Zǐ enter?
Zǐ Sū Zǐ enters the Lung and Large Intestine channels.
What are the actions of Zǐ Sū Zǐ?
Directs qi downward, transforms Phlegm; Stops cough, calms wheezing; Moistens intestines, unblocks bowels.
What is Zǐ Sū Zǐ used for?
Phlegm congestion with rebellious qi: cough and wheezing with copious Phlegm; constipation from intestinal dryness.
Which formulas contain Zǐ Sū Zǐ?
Sū Zǐ Jiàng Qì Tāng and Dìng Chuǎn Tāng.
Practise Zǐ Sū Zǐ and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.