The source is from the mature fruit of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. acuta (Thunb.) Kudo, family Labiatae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Jiangsu, Anhui, etc.They are collected in autumn when the fruits are ripe, dried in the sun. The crude one or the one stir-baked slightly is used, broken when used.

Medicinal Properties: Pungent in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the lung and large intestine meridians.

Actions: Lower the adverse-rising qi, resolve phlegm, relieve cough and dyspnea, moisten the intestine and relax bowels.

 Application
1. It is used for accumulation of phlegm and the adverse-rising of qi manifested as cough and dyspnea, it is usually combined with Baijiezi (Semen Sinapis ) and Laifuzi (Semen Raphani), such as Sanzi Yangqin Tang (Decoction); for phlegm-fluid accumulation with dyspnea and cough, and chest distress, it is combined with Houpo ( Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis ), Jupi ( Pericarpium Citri Tangerinae ) and Banxia ( Rhizoma Pinetliae ), etc., such as Suzi Jiangqi Tang (Decoction).
2. For constipation due to dryness of the intestine, it is usually combined with Huomaren (Fructus Cannabis), Gualouren ( Semen Trichosanthis), and Xingren ( Semen Pruni Armeniacae), etc..

Usage and Dosage: 5- 10 g is used in decoction for oral use.

Notes: It is used with caution in the cases with cough due to yin deficiency and loose stool due to spleen deficiency.