Details of Medicinal Plants

Purple Common Perilla

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var.crispa (Benth.) W. Deane f. .purpurea Makino Lamiaceae

This annual is found in S China. Its plant height is 50 to 100 cm. Old stocks are cultivated everywhere in Japan. This plant is used not only in the Kampo formula "Koso-san", etc., but also as a coloring agent in pickled ume fruits, etc.

Parts used: leaves and tips of branches
Medicinal use: antimicrobial
Main component: perillaldehyde

Racemes form during the period from September to October with pale reddish-purple lip-like flowers.

"Perilla Herb" is the sun-dried leaves after harvest in July and August.

Green perilla (P. frutescens (L.) Britton var.crispa (Benth.) W. Deane f. viridis (Makino) Makino) is popular ingredient in "Sushi" and "Sashimi".