Perilla leaf (in Vietnamese, lá tía tô) has long been used in traditional medicine and culinary practices across East Asia. Many believe it offers health benefits — but when you drink it can matter just as much as how much you consume. The original Vietnamese article outlines three optimal times to drink perilla leaf water for maximal benefit (Tap Chí Đời Sống). tapchinuocmy.com

Below is an expanded, translated version — with herbal research, medical insight, and cautionary details.

---

What Is Perilla (Tía Tô) and Why People Drink It

Perilla ( Perilla frutescens ) is a leafy herb in the mint family. It’s commonly used fresh or brewed into teas in East Asia. Traditional medicine attributes to it properties of “warming,” anti-allergic effects, digestion support, and respiratory benefits.

Modern studies have explored perilla’s bioactive compounds — such as rosmarinic acid, perillaldehyde, and flavonoids — which may offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry; Foods) (for instance, see “Phytochemicals and biological activities of perilla leaves”)

However, most scientific studies are small, animal-based, or in vitro (cell culture), so human evidence is still limited.

---

The 3 Recommended Times to Drink Perilla Leaf Water

According to the original article, the three ideal windows are:

These guidelines largely reflect traditional practice — they are sensible, but not definitively validated by large clinical trials.

---

What Science and Experts Say (Adding More Insight)

While traditional knowledge provides direction, scientific backing is still emerging. Below are more nuanced viewpoints from credible sources:

• A review in Frontiers in Pharmacology noted that perilla extracts show promise in anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy applications in animal models, but recommended cautious extrapolation to humans.

• In Journal of Ethnopharmacology, small human studies have examined perilla infusion’s effect on mild respiratory symptoms (e.g., seasonal allergies). Results were modest, and the studies called for randomized controlled trials.

• Some herbal medicine practitioners caution that excessive consumption, particularly in individuals with blood pressure issues or those on anticoagulants, may carry risk — perilla contains compounds that could mildly thin blood.

Thus, while perilla leaf water can complement one’s diet, it should not replace medical treatments or foundational health practices.

---

Safety Tips and Warnings

• Use moderate amounts — 3–4 small servings per day is a reasonable limit.

• Avoid long steeping or boiling — delicate compounds evaporate or degrade with excessive heat or time.

• People with high blood pressure, heart disease, or on blood thinners should consult a physician before regular use.

• Discontinue use if you experience: dizziness, palpitations, digestive upset, or any unusual symptoms.

• Do not rely on herbal drinks to treat serious illnesses without medical supervision.