You’ve probably seen perilla leaves (Perilla leaves, also called tía tô) and lemongrass (Lemongrass, also called sả) used as herbs in many Vietnamese dishes. But did you know you can brew them into a simple daily drink that offers multiple health advantages? This soothing infusion combines the best of both herbs: great taste, aromatic flavour, and multiple health-promoting properties.

Perilla Leaves: A Quick Overview

Perilla leaves are widely used in East Asian cuisine as an aromatic herb. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Vietnamese herbal practices, perilla is described as having a pungent taste and warm (slightly warming) nature. It is traditionally used to promote sweating, relieve surface chills, dilate peripheral blood vessels, reduce fever, and drive out exterior wind-cold symptoms. Additionally, perilla seeds are used to reduce phlegm, treat cough, asthma, promote bowel movement, and moisten the intestines.
Modern research confirms that perilla leaves and seeds contain flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and α-linolenic acid, which exhibit anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties. PMC+2biomedpharmajournal.org+2

Lemongrass: A Quick Overview

Lemongrass is commonly used as a culinary herb and flavouring agent, but also known in folk medicine for its therapeutic uses. Scientific studies have demonstrated that lemongrass contains compounds such as citral and geranial, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and even anticancer potential. PMC+2Medical News Today+2 Researchers have found for example that lemongrass essential oil can reduce bacterial and fungal biofilms and support cardiovascular and digestive health. PMC+1

Why Combine Perilla Leaves + Lemongrass?

When you brew perilla leaves with a few stalks of lemongrass, you get a synergistic effect:

• The aromatic lemongrass enhances flavour and makes the drink more enjoyable.

• Perilla adds its herbal “exterior release” properties (promoting sweating, ventilation) plus its antioxidant and anti-allergic functions.

• Together they create a warm, fragrant infusion that is well suited for soothing the body, aiding digestion, supporting immunity, and promoting general wellness.

7 Major Benefits of Perilla + Lemongrass Drink

1. Strengthen Immunity
   Both herbs contain antioxidants and vitamin C (particularly the perilla leaves) and phenolic compounds (especially from lemongrass) that help neutralize free radicals and support immune defences. Healthline+1

2. Relieve Common Cold & Flu-like Symptoms
   Traditional practice uses this combination for early symptoms of cold: chills, headache, runny or blocked nose. The essential oils in lemongrass and volatile compounds in perilla help reduce nasal congestion and soothe throat irritation.

3. Reduce Cough, Asthma & Respiratory Irritation
   For people suffering from cough with phlegm, or asthma triggers, perilla leaf extracts and lemongrass vapours can assist in soothing the airway and reducing mucus. learningherbs.com+1

4. Improve Skin & Slow Aging
   Thanks to their antioxidant properties, both herbs help protect skin cells from oxidative stress. Perilla has been studied for skin barrier integrity and perilla seed oil for anti-UV damage. PMC+1 The drink acts like a mild “internal skin tonic.”

5. Support Digestion & Relieve Gastric Discomfort
   Lemongrass has been shown to improve digestion, reduce nausea, and help protect the stomach lining from damage. Medical News Today+1 Perilla also supports bowel movements and may ease focal intestinal discomfort.

6. Antioxidant & Circulatory Benefits
   Studies show lemongrass has high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (ranking among the top for herbs compared to ginger, tomato, garlic) which can help vascular health and reduce oxidative damage. MDPI+1 Perilla leaf extracts also exhibit vascular benefit and may assist in reducing allergic-related vascular responses.

7. Cardiovascular & Cholesterol Support
   Lemongrass extracts have shown potential in lowering blood pressure (via vasorelaxant effects) and improving lipid profiles. PMC+1 Perilla seed oil (rich in α-linolenic acid) provides cardiovascular protection via anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. MDPI

How to Brew & Use

• Take several fresh perilla leaves (wash thoroughly), plus 2–3 stalks of lemongrass (bruised slightly).

• Bring about 500–600 ml of water to a boil, add herbs, boil for 5-10 minutes, then simmer for another few minutes.

• Strain and drink warm (or cool it for iced version).

• Use 1-2 cups per day as a healthy herbal drink.

• Important: This is a supplementary drink, not a replacement for water or medical treatment.

Precautions & Notes

• While both herbs are generally considered safe for healthy adults, you should not rely on this drink as a cure.

• If you have chronic conditions (e.g., very low blood pressure, liver disease, pregnant women), consult your doctor before making it a regular habit.

• Do not use as a substitute for prescribed medications.

• Adequate hydration, healthy diet, and lifestyle remain the foundation of wellness.