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(Su, recorded in the Middle Grade of *Bie Lu*)
[Correction] Transferred from the Vegetable Section to this section.
[Names] Zi Su (Purple Perilla) (*Shi Liao*), Chi Su (Red Perilla) (*Zhou Hou Fang*). Li Shizhen said: The character "Su" derives from "Su" (soft/creamy), pronounced as 'su', meaning comfortable and smooth. Because its nature is soothing and it regulates Qi and harmonizes Blood, it is called Su. It is called Zi Su (Purple Perilla) to distinguish it from Bai Su (White Perilla). Su belongs to the category of Ren (Perilla frutescens var. crispa), but its flavor is more pungent like Cinnamon, hence *Er Ya* calls it Gui Ren (Cinnamon-flavored Perilla).
[Collection and Explanation] Tao Hongjing said: The underside of Su leaves is purple and has a very fragrant odor. Those that lack purple color, are not fragrant, and resemble Ren are named Ye Su (Wild Perilla) and are unsuitable for use.
Su Song said: Su refers to Zi Su (Purple Perilla). It grows everywhere; those with purple color on both sides of the leaf are considered superior. Stems and leaves are harvested in summer, and seeds in autumn. There are several varieties; Shui Su (Water Perilla), Yu Su (Fish Perilla), and Shan Yu Su (Mountain Fish Perilla) all belong to the Ren category, each having distinct characteristics.
Li Shizhen said: Both Zi Su (Purple Perilla) and Bai Su (White Perilla) are sown in February or March, or seeds left over from the previous year sprout naturally in the soil. Its stem is square-shaped; its leaves are round with pointed tips and serrated margins. Grown in fertile soil, both sides of the leaf are purple; grown in poor soil, the upper side is green and the lower side is purple. Those with white on both sides are Bai Su (White Perilla), which is Ren. When young, Zi Su (Purple Perilla) leaves are harvested and mixed with vegetables, or pickled with salt and plum brine as a condiment, which is very fragrant. In summer, it can be boiled into a hot soup for drinking. In May and June, roots are harvested along with the plant; the roots are roasted over fire and dried in the shade, remaining durable without shedding leaves. In August, small purple flowers bloom in spike-like clusters, resembling Schizonepeta spikes. By September, when half-withered, seeds are collected. The seeds are fine like mustard seeds, yellowish-red in color, and can also be pressed for oil similar to Ren oil. *Wu Ben Xin Shu* states: Perilla can be planted near field edges and roads to shield livestock. Seeds pressed for oil burn brightly in lamps or can be boiled to treat utensils. *Dan Fang Jing Yuan* states: Perilla seed oil can soften the five metals and eight minerals. *Sha Zhou Ji* states: In the land of Qifulu, grains are not grown; only Perilla seeds are eaten. Thus, Wang Zhen said: Perilla serves a protective function and is used for lamp oil; it cannot be omitted. Currently, there is a variety called Hua Zi Su (Flowering Purple Perilla), whose leaves have dense, tight fine teeth, appearing cut-like. Its fragrance, color, stems, and seeds are no different from others; people call it Huihui Su (Huihui Perilla).
It is noted: Mint roots and stems closely resemble Zi Su (Purple Perilla), differing only in leaves. Mint stems are dry, while Zi Su (Purple Perilla) stems are mild. For medicinal use, the green thin skin must be scraped off with a knife before chopping.
Stems and Leaves
[Properties and Flavors] Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic.
Li Tingfei said: Do not consume together with carp, as it may generate toxic sores.
[Indications] Descends Qi, dispels cold accumulation in the middle jiao; its seeds are particularly effective (*Bie Lu*). Dispels cold and heat, treats all types of cold qi, treats epigastric and abdominal fullness, stops cholera with muscle cramps, opens the stomach to promote appetite, treats podagra (gouty arthritis), and unblocks the large and small intestines (*Ri Hua*). Unblocks the Heart Meridian, benefits the Spleen and Stomach; boiling and drinking is especially effective, and it pairs well with Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) (Su Song). Releases the muscle layer, disperses wind-cold, moves Qi and expands the middle, resolves phlegm and benefits the Lungs, harmonizes Blood, warms the middle and stops pain, calms wheezing and calms the fetus, resolves fish and crab toxicity, and treats snake and dog bites (Li Shizhen). Eating leaves raw in soup kills various fish and meat toxins (Zhen Quan).
[Elucidation] Su Song said: To vent wind-toxins, use the stem alone, removing the nodes for best results.
Li Shizhen said: Zi Su (Purple Perilla) is an important medicine in recent times. Its pungent flavor enters the Qi level; its purple color enters the Blood level. Therefore, combined with Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) and Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit), it moves Qi and calms the fetus; combined with Huo Xiang (Patchouli) and Wu Yao (Lindera Root), it warms the middle and stops pain; combined with Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome) and Ma Huang (Ephedra), it induces sweating and releases the muscle layer; combined with Xiong Qiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), it harmonizes and disperses Blood; combined with Mu Gua (Chaenomeles) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), it disperses dampness and resolves summerheat, treating cholera and podagra (gouty arthritis); combined with Jie Geng (Platycodon Root) and Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus), it benefits the diaphragm and expands the intestines; combined with Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) and Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed), it resolves phlegm and calms wheezing.
However, long-term use leaks the body's true Qi.
Cheng Cong said: Zi Su (Purple Perilla) has a fragrant odor and a slightly pungent-sweet taste, possessing dispersing properties. Nowadays, people drink Zi Su Tang (Perilla Decoction) morning and night, which is of little benefit. Physicians say that aromatic herbs cause diseases among the wealthy and noble; this is one instance. For those with cold Spleen and Stomach, it often causes slippery diarrhea, usually unnoticed.
[Correction of Errors] Su Song said: Su treats chicken jia (abdominal mass), which is not recorded in *Ben Jing*. Southern Qi physician Chu Cheng treated Li Daonian who developed a jia (mass) from eating Bai Lun chicken eggs; he administered decoction of Su, causing the patient to vomit out a chickling and recover.
Li Shizhen said: According to *Nan Qi Shu*, what Chu Cheng used was Garlic, not Su. Likely due to the similarity of the characters, a transcription error occurred; Su Song lacked sufficient verification. See details under the entry for Garlic.
[Attached Prescriptions] Two old prescriptions, thirteen new ones.
Cold invasion with rebellious Qi: Zi Ye (Perilla Leaf) 3 liang, Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) 4 liang, Wine 4 sheng. Boil to obtain 1.5 sheng, divide into two doses (*Zhou Hou Fang*).
Cold injury with incessant asthma: Use one handful of Chi Su (Red Perilla), Water 3 sheng. Boil to obtain 1 sheng, drink slowly in small amounts (*Zhou Hou*). For death-like state due to relapse after labor or diet: Boil Zi Ye (Perilla Leaf) to obtain 2 sheng of juice, drink it. Can also add Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) and Dou Chi (Fermented Soybean) to boil and drink (*Zhou Hou*). Sudden hiccuping: Boil Xiang Su strongly, take 3 sheng at once, effective (*Qian Jin*). Cholera with fullness, unable to vomit or purge: Crush fresh Su, drink the juice, good. Dry Su decoction is also acceptable (*Zhou Hou Fang*).
Various hemorrhagic diseases: Zi Su (Purple Perilla) in any amount, place in a large pot, decoct with water until dry, remove dregs and boil into paste. Mix with powder of fried red beans to make pills the size of wutong seeds. Take 30-50 pills with wine each time, take regularly (*Dou Men Fang*). Golden wound bleeding incessantly: Mash tender Zi Su (Purple Perilla) leaves and Sang Ye (Mulberry Leaf) together, apply externally (*Yong Lei Qian Fang*).
Falls and bruises: Mash Zi Su (Purple Perilla), apply to the area. Wounds heal naturally (*Tan Ye Weng Shi Yan Fang*). Trauma with continuous bleeding: Dip aged Zi Su (Purple Perilla) leaves into the bleeding blood, mash and apply. Prevents pus formation and ensures healing without scars, very excellent (*Yong Lei Qian Fang*).
Mad dog bite: Chew Zi Su (Purple Perilla) leaves and apply (*Qian Jin Fang*).
Snake bite: Mash Zi Su (Purple Perilla) leaves and drink the juice (*Qian Jin Fang*).
Crab poisoning: Decoct Zi Su (Purple Perilla) and drink 2 sheng of juice (*Jin Gui Yao Lue*). Flying thread entering the eye causing blisters on the tongue: Chew Zi Su (Purple Perilla) leaves thoroughly and swallow with plain water (Wei Shi *De Xiao Fang*).
Breast abscess with swelling and pain: Decoct Zi Su (Purple Perilla) in water, drink frequently, and mash for external application (*Hai Shang Xian Fang*).
Rebellious Qi and shortness of breath: Zi Su Stem and Leaves 2 qian, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 1 qian. Water 1 zhong, decoct and drink (*Pu Ji Fang*).
Seeds
[Properties and Flavors] Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic.
[Indications] Descends Qi, dispels cold and warms the middle (*Bie Lu*). Treats rebellious Qi with cough and wheezing, cold qi, and damp-wind stagnation in the waist and legs. Grind into juice, cook with rice to make porridge, eat long-term, makes the body plump, white, and fragrant (Zhen Quan). Regulates the middle, benefits the five zang organs, stops cholera vomiting and regurgitation, tonifies deficiency and fatigue, makes the person robust, promotes urination and defecation, breaks masses, resolves five diaphragmatic obstructions, resolves phlegm and stops cough, moistens the Lungs and Heart (*Ri Hua*). Treats lung asthma and急促 breathing (Cheng Cong). Treats wind and regulates Qi, benefits the diaphragm and expands the intestines, resolves fish and crab toxicity.
[Elucidation] Tao Hongjing said: Su Zi (Perilla Seed) descends Qi and pairs well with Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel).
Li Shizhen said: Su Zi (Perilla Seed) has the same efficacy as the leaves. For dispersing wind-qi, use the leaves; for clearing and benefiting the upper and lower jiao, use the seeds.
[Attached Prescriptions] Three old prescriptions, six new ones.
Regulate Qi and promote bowel movement: Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed) and Ma Zi Ren (Hemp Seed) in equal parts, mash thoroughly, filter with water to extract juice, cook with rice to make porridge (*Ji Sheng Fang*).
Treat wind, regulate Qi, promote bowel movement and expand the middle: Use 1 sheng of Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed), lightly stir-fry and pound, place in a raw silk bag, soak in 3 dou of clear wine for three nights, drink in small amounts (*Sheng Hui*).
All types of cold qi: Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed), Gao Liang Jiang (Galangal), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) in equal parts, honey-made pills the size of wutong seeds. Take 10 pills each time, with wine on an empty stomach (*Yao Xing Lun*).
Wind-dampness podagra (gouty arthritis): Same prescription as above. Wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, limb spasms, swollen feet unable to touch the ground: Use 2 liang of Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed), crush. With 3 sheng of water, grind to extract juice, cook 2 he of japonica rice to make porridge, eat with scallion, pepper, ginger, and fermented soybean (*Sheng Hui Fang*). Diabetes transforming into edema, take this to eliminate water via urine: Use 3 liang of Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed) (fried), 3 liang of Luo Bo Zi (Radish Seed) (fried), make into powder. Take 2 qian each time, decoct Sang Gen Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark) in water to administer, three times a day (*Sheng Ji Zong Lu*).
Nocturnal emission during sleep: 1 sheng of Su Zi (Perilla Seed). Roast, pound, and grind into powder, take with wine using a fang cun bi (square-inch spoon), twice a day (*Wai Tai Mi Yao*).
Crab poisoning: Decoct Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed) and drink the juice (*Jin Gui Yao Lue*).
Rebellious Qi with cough and wheezing: Soak Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed) in water, grind and filter for juice, cook with japonica rice to make porridge (*Jian Bian Fang*).
Ren (Recorded in the Upper Grade of *Bie Lu*)
[Correction] Transferred from the Vegetable Section to this section.
[Names] KT (pronounced 'yu'). KT (Tao Hongjing) Bai Su (White Perilla) (*Tu Jing*). Tao Hongjing said: Ren resembles Su, people in the East call it KT, because it looks like the character Su but without the grain radical. Su Song said: There are several types of Su: Shui Su (Water Perilla), Bai Su (White Perilla), Yu Su (Fish Perilla), Shan Yu Su (Mountain Fish Perilla). All belong to the Ren category.
[Collection and Explanation] *Bie Lu* says: Ren leaves, harvested in September, dried in the shade. Tao Hongjing said: Ren resembles Su, tall and stout, white, not very fragrant. Its seeds, when ground and mixed with rice to make congee, are very nourishing and delicious, descend Qi and tonify. Press its seeds for oil, boil daily, this is the oil used for coating silk and mixing lacquer today; it is also used for fasting diets, named Chong You (Heavy Oil). Meng Gong said: People often eat Ren leaves raw, so its seeds are less commonly used than Su. Chen Cangqi said: In Jiangdong, Ren seeds are used for oil; in the North, Hemp seeds are used for oil. Both oils can coat objects. If used for mixing lacquer, Ren oil is stronger. Kou Bing said: There is also Da Ren (Large Ren), resembling wild Ren, tall and stout. Leaves are double the size of small Ren, inedible. People collect its seeds to coat silk and linen, same as hemp seeds. When small Ren pods are nearly ripe, people harvest them to eat, very fragrant and delicious. Large Ren leaves are inedible. Su Song said: Bai Su (White Perilla) has square stems and round leaves, not purple, also very fragrant, fruits enter medicine. Yu Su (Fish Perilla) resembles Yinchen (Artemisia capillaris), large leaves and fragrant, people in Wu use it to boil fish, also named Yu . Those growing on mountain rocks are called Shan Yu Su (Mountain Fish Perilla), mainly treating dysentery with alternating remission and exacerbation, frequent urination and defecation. Dry powder, taken with rice water, effective. Meng Shen said: Can be steamed until cooked, dried in strong sun, chewed directly, pounded to eat like rice, can also be used for grain avoidance (fasting).
Leaves
[Properties and Flavors] Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic.
[Indications] Regulates the middle, removes foul odors (*Bie Lu*). Mash and apply for insect bites and male genital swelling (Chen Cangqi). Regulates Qi, moistens Lungs and Heart, nourishes skin, enhances complexion, resolves retained food, stops rebellious Qi cough, removes fox odor, applies to insect bites (*Ri Hua*).
[Attached Prescriptions] (Two old) Male and female genital swelling (Male: Mash fresh Ren leaves, mix with vinegar and seal. Female: Wrap in silk, insert internally, change 3-4 times. Meng Shen *Shi Liao*). Snake bite (Mash Ren leaves, mix with lard, apply thinly. Mei Shi Fang).
Seeds
[Properties and Flavors] Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic. (Meng Shen said: Also slightly depletes Qi. Overconsumption causes chest stuffiness.)
[Indications] Cough and wheezing, descends Qi, warms middle and tonifies body (*Bie Lu*). Eat raw, stops thirst and moistens Lungs. (Steam, dry, pound to eat like rice, tonifies middle and boosts Qi, unblocks vessels, fills essence) (Meng Shen). Stops cough (*Ri Hua*).