Zi Su Zi, also known as Perillae Fructus or Perilla Seed, is a warm, acrid herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to redirect Lung Qi downward, transform phlegm, and stop cough and wheezing. It is especially valued for treating respiratory conditions involving excessive phlegm and difficulty breathing. Zi Su Zi also moistens the intestines and relieves constipation, making it a useful dual-action herb for both the Lungs and Large Intestine.
Funktionen & Vorteile
Redirects Lung Qi Downward & Stops Cough
Zi Su Zi is commonly used in cases of cough and wheezing with excessive phlegm, particularly when caused by cold or wind-cold. It helps descend rebellious Lung Qi and open the airways, improving breathing and reducing coughing fits.
Dissolves Phlegm & Relieves Wheezing
This herb transforms phlegm and helps expel it from the lungs, especially when the phlegm is copious and difficult to expectorate. It is suitable for cold-type phlegm conditions or chronic bronchitis in the elderly.
Befeuchtet den Darm & lindert Verstopfung
Due to its oily nature, Zi Su Zi also lubricates the intestines, helping to ease dry stools or mild constipation—especially in patients who are elderly, weak, or affected by dry coldness.
Soothes the Chest & Eases Oppression
Zi Su Zi can help with chest tightness or fullness due to retained phlegm and rebellious Qi. It eases discomfort caused by obstructed Lung Qi, particularly in cold or damp environments.
Indikationen
Cough with copious, white, or difficult-to-expectorate sputum from wind-cold or cold-phlegm.
Wheezing, asthma, or shortness of breath in chronic Lung conditions.
Dry constipation in elderly or deficient individuals.
Chest oppression, fullness, or discomfort due to phlegm congestion.
Zungen- und Pulsdiagnose in der TCM
Tongue: Pale with a moist, white, greasy coating, indicating cold-phlegm accumulation.
Pulse: Slippery or tight, often floating if associated with exterior cold.
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Zi Su Zi
Zi Su Zi is used to treat patterns such as Lung Qi rebellion with phlegm, cold-phlegm obstructing the Lungs, and dryness of the intestines in the elderly. These patterns often involve chronic cough, wheezing, phlegm retention, and sluggish bowel movements.
Vorsichtsmaßnahmen & Kontraindikationen
Not suitable for cough due to heat or dryness without phlegm.
Avoid in cases of diarrhea or weak digestion from Spleen Deficiency.
Use with caution in patients with excess heat or thick, yellow sputum.
Not typically recommended during pregnancy without professional supervision.
Fazit
Zi Su Zi is a versatile herb in TCM that addresses both respiratory and digestive concerns. It is especially helpful in chronic cough and wheezing with cold-phlegm, while its moistening action supports intestinal health in elderly or deficient patients. Its warming, descending nature makes it an ideal herb for treating rebellious Lung Qi and phlegm congestion.
