Herb Stem (茎 jīng)

Zi Su Geng

Perilla stem · 紫苏梗

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. · Perillae Caulis

Also known as: Su Geng, Zi Su, Perilla Stalk,

Zi Su Geng (Perilla stem) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Perilla stem is a gentle, warming herb used to relieve bloating, chest tightness, and abdominal discomfort caused by sluggish digestion or stagnant Qi. It is particularly valued in pregnancy care for easing morning sickness and calming fetal restlessness, and is mild enough for people with sensitive constitutions.

Category Qi-regulating herbs (理气药)
Therapeutic focus Digestive Health Pregnancy support Bloating Relief Nausea and Vomiting Relief

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels entered

Lungs, Spleen, Stomach

Parts used

Stem (茎 jīng)

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What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Zi Su Geng does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Zi Su Geng is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Digestive Health Pregnancy support Bloating Relief Nausea and Vomiting Relief

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Zi Su Geng performs to restore balance in the body:

Regulates Qi and Broadens the Middle Burner Alleviates Pain Calms the Fetus Opens the chest and benefits the diaphragm Harmonizes the Stomach and Stops Vomiting

How these actions work

'Regulates Qi and broadens the Middle Jiao' (理气宽中) means Zǐ Sū Gěng gently moves stagnant Qi in the Spleen and Stomach, relieving fullness, bloating, and discomfort in the chest and abdomen. The classical text Yào Pǐn Huà Yì praised it as the purest and gentlest among all Qi-regulating herbs, noting that it disperses Qi without driving it downward too quickly. This makes it especially suitable for people with weak constitutions who cannot tolerate stronger Qi-moving herbs.

'Stops pain' (止痛) refers to its ability to relieve abdominal and epigastric pain caused by Qi stagnation. When Qi becomes stuck in the digestive tract, it creates cramping and distending pain. Zǐ Sū Gěng's gentle warming and moving action helps the Qi flow smoothly again, easing the pain.

'Calms the fetus' (安胎) means Zǐ Sū Gěng is used during pregnancy when Qi stagnation in the middle area causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, or restless fetus. It gently regulates the flow of Qi to ease these pregnancy-related complaints without being harsh. Modern research has found it has a progesterone-like effect on uterine tissue, supporting its traditional use in preventing miscarriage.

'Opens the chest and benefits the diaphragm' (宽胸利膈) means it relieves a sense of stuffiness or blockage in the chest area. This action is useful when Qi stagnation causes feelings of tightness, pressure, or inability to take a deep breath.

'Harmonizes the Stomach and stops vomiting' (和胃止呕) means it helps settle a rebellious Stomach, where the Stomach Qi rises upward instead of descending normally, causing belching, hiccups, nausea, or vomiting.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Zi Su Geng is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Zi Su Geng addresses this pattern

Zǐ Sū Gěng directly addresses Qi Stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach through its acrid, sweet, and warm properties. The acrid taste disperses and moves stagnant Qi, while the sweet taste harmonizes the Spleen. Its warm nature counters any cold that may be contributing to the stagnation. Because it enters the Spleen and Stomach channels, it targets the Middle Jiao specifically, unbinding the Qi flow in the digestive area. Classical sources describe it as the gentlest among Qi-regulating herbs, making it ideal for Qi Stagnation in patients who are constitutionally weak or deficient.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Post-Surgical Constipation And Bloating

Epigastric and abdominal bloating and fullness

Belching

Frequent belching or hiccups

Nausea

Nausea or poor appetite

Abdominal Pain

Distending pain in the chest or abdomen

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Zi Su Geng is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Qi Stagnation Restless Fetus

TCM Interpretation

TCM understands morning sickness as a disruption of the Stomach's normal downward-directing function. During pregnancy, the developing fetus draws on the mother's resources, and changes in the body can cause Qi to stagnate in the Middle Jiao. When the Stomach Qi fails to descend, it rebels upward, producing nausea and vomiting. This is often compounded by the fetus's own Qi pushing upward against the diaphragm, a condition classically called 'fetal Qi rushing upward' (胎气上逆). The Spleen and Stomach are the central organs involved, and the condition may worsen when cold or dampness further obstructs the middle area.

Why Zi Su Geng Helps

Zǐ Sū Gěng is particularly well suited for morning sickness because its acrid taste gently moves stagnant Qi downward, while its sweet taste harmonizes the Stomach without causing harsh effects that might disturb the pregnancy. Its warm nature counters the cold that often accompanies Spleen and Stomach weakness during early pregnancy. Importantly, it also has a fetus-calming action, meaning it simultaneously settles the upward-pushing fetal Qi. Modern pharmacological research has found that Zǐ Sū Gěng has progesterone-like effects on uterine tissue, further supporting its traditional reputation as a safe and effective pregnancy herb.

Also commonly used for

Nausea

Nausea from Stomach Qi rebellion

Chronic Gastritis

When presenting with Qi stagnation, bloating, and poor appetite

Hiccups

From Stomach Qi stagnation or reversal

Threatened Miscarriage

Fetal restlessness with abdominal pain from Qi stagnation

Edema

Mild edema, especially during pregnancy

Acid Reflux

When caused by Qi stagnation and Stomach disharmony

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels Entered

Lungs Spleen Stomach

Parts Used

Stem (茎 jīng)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Zi Su Geng — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

5-10g

Maximum dosage

Up to 15g in cases of significant Qi stagnation with chest or abdominal fullness, under practitioner supervision.

Dosage notes

Use the standard range of 5 to 10g for most conditions of Qi stagnation with chest or epigastric fullness, belching, and nausea. For fetus-calming purposes in pregnancy, 5 to 9g is typical, usually combined with other herbs such as Sha Ren (Amomum) and Chen Pi (tangerine peel). The classical dosage given in older texts was 1.5 to 3 qian (approximately 4.5 to 9g), consistent with modern Pharmacopoeia guidelines. Because Zi Su Geng contains volatile aromatic compounds, it should not be decocted for an excessively long time.

Preparation

Zi Su Geng contains volatile aromatic compounds, so it should not be decocted for too long. Add it during the last 10 to 15 minutes of decoction to preserve its aromatic Qi-moving properties. It is typically sliced before decoction. No other special preparation is required.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Zi Su Geng for enhanced therapeutic effect

Chen Pi
Chen Pi 1:1 (e.g. Zi Su Geng 10g : Chen Pi 6-10g)

Zǐ Sū Gěng and Chén Pí (tangerine peel) together powerfully regulate Qi in the Middle Jiao. Chén Pí dries dampness and transforms phlegm while moving Qi, and Zǐ Sū Gěng broadens the chest and soothes the Stomach. Together they address both Qi stagnation and any turbid dampness contributing to bloating and poor digestion.

When to use: Chest and epigastric fullness, belching, nausea, or poor appetite from Spleen and Stomach Qi stagnation, especially with phlegm or dampness.

Huang Lian
Huang Lian 2:1 (e.g. Zi Su Geng 10g : Huang Lian 3-5g)

Zǐ Sū Gěng (warm, acrid, aromatic) paired with Huáng Lián (cold, bitter) creates a harmonizing pair for the Stomach. The aromatic warmth of Zǐ Sū Gěng moves Qi and opens the middle, while Huáng Lián's bitter cold clears Stomach heat and stops vomiting. Together they address mixed patterns where both Qi stagnation and heat are present.

When to use: Nausea and vomiting with signs of Stomach heat (bad breath, acid reflux, oral ulcers), or pregnancy nausea complicated by heat signs.

Da Fu Pi
Da Fu Pi 1:1 (e.g. Zi Su Geng 10g : Da Fu Pi 10g)

Zǐ Sū Gěng and Dà Fù Pí (areca husk) both regulate Qi and reduce distension but work on different areas. Zǐ Sū Gěng focuses on the upper and middle areas (chest and epigastrium), while Dà Fù Pí drives Qi downward and promotes urination to reduce lower abdominal bloating and edema. Together they address fullness throughout the entire torso.

When to use: Generalized abdominal and chest distension, edema during pregnancy, or Qi stagnation with fluid accumulation.

Ban Xia
Ban Xia 1:1 (e.g. Zi Su Geng 10g : Ban Xia 9-12g)

Zǐ Sū Gěng regulates Qi and broadens the middle, while Bàn Xià (pinellia) descends rebellious Stomach Qi and transforms phlegm. Together they powerfully address nausea and vomiting caused by Qi stagnation with phlegm obstruction, restoring the normal downward flow of Stomach Qi.

When to use: Stubborn nausea, vomiting, or a sensation of something stuck in the throat, especially with a white greasy tongue coating indicating phlegm.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Zi Su Ye
Zi Su Geng vs Zi Su Ye

Both come from the same plant (Perilla frutescens), but Zǐ Sū Yè (the leaf) is light and lifting with strong exterior-releasing power, used for wind-cold invasion and sweating. Zǐ Sū Gěng (the stem) is heavier and more focused on moving Qi internally in the Middle Jiao. For digestive bloating and pregnancy care, choose Zǐ Sū Gěng. For common colds with wind-cold symptoms, choose Zǐ Sū Yè.

Hou Po
Zi Su Geng vs Hou Po

Both regulate Qi and relieve abdominal distension. However, Hòu Pò (magnolia bark) is bitter, acrid, and strongly drying, making it more powerful for breaking through severe Qi stagnation with dampness. Zǐ Sū Gěng is much gentler and better suited for patients with Qi deficiency or during pregnancy. Where Hòu Pò might be too harsh, Zǐ Sū Gěng is the milder alternative.

Sha Ren
Zi Su Geng vs Sha Ren

Both calm the fetus and regulate Qi in the Spleen and Stomach. Shā Rén (cardamom seed) is more aromatic and warming, with a stronger action to transform dampness and awaken the Spleen. Zǐ Sū Gěng is gentler and better at broadening the chest and relieving upper digestive obstruction. For pregnancy nausea with prominent dampness and loose stools, Shā Rén may be preferred. For pregnancy discomfort with more chest and epigastric distension, Zǐ Sū Gěng is the better choice.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Zi Su Geng

The most common substitute is Bai Su Geng (白苏梗), the stem of the white-leaved Perilla variety (Perilla frutescens var. frutescens). In some provinces such as Jiangsu and Sichuan, Bai Su Geng is used interchangeably with Zi Su Geng under the general name "Su Geng." Bai Su Geng can be distinguished by its pale yellowish-brown surface colour, compared to the purplish-brown or dark purple colour of authentic Zi Su Geng. The two have overlapping but not identical therapeutic properties, and classical sources note that they should ideally be distinguished. Wild Perilla (Ye Zi Su, the stem of P. frutescens var. purpurascens) may also appear on the market, identifiable by its lighter yellowish-brown colour.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Zi Su Geng

Non-toxic

Zi Su Geng is classified as non-toxic in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and classical sources. The Ben Cao Gang Mu explicitly states it is non-toxic. At standard dosages (5 to 10g), no significant adverse effects are expected. Excessive use may cause mild mouth dryness or stomach discomfort, which resolves upon discontinuation. The volatile oil content in the stem is lower than in the leaf, further reducing any concern.

Contraindications

Situations where Zi Su Geng should not be used or requires extra caution

Caution

Yin deficiency with internal Heat. Zi Su Geng is warm and acrid, which can further consume Yin fluids and worsen Heat signs such as dry mouth, night sweats, and hot flashes.

Caution

Qi deficiency with profuse sweating. The herb's dispersing nature can further deplete Qi and worsen spontaneous sweating in constitutionally weak individuals.

Caution

Warm-febrile diseases (Wen Bing) or patterns of interior Heat. The warm nature of the herb is inappropriate for conditions driven by Heat rather than Cold.

Avoid

Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Perilla frutescens or other Lamiaceae family plants.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Zi Su Geng is traditionally considered one of the safer herbs for use during pregnancy. In fact, calming the fetus (an tai) is one of its primary classical indications. It is commonly included in formulas for morning sickness (pregnancy nausea and vomiting) and restless fetus due to Qi stagnation. Animal research has shown that Zi Su Geng has progesterone-like effects, increasing uterine endometrial carbonic anhydrase activity and promoting endometrial gland growth in a dose-dependent manner similar to progesterone, which may explain its traditional fetus-calming action. However, it should be used under professional guidance, as all herbal use during pregnancy requires appropriate supervision.

Breastfeeding

No specific safety concerns are documented for Zi Su Geng during breastfeeding. As a mild Qi-regulating herb with a long history of food use, it is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding at standard dosages. Its volatile oil components are present in lower concentrations than in the leaf. Nevertheless, it should be used under professional guidance as with any herbal medicine during the postnatal period.

Children

Zi Su Geng can be used in children at reduced dosages appropriate to age and body weight, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose. It is a mild herb with a long history of food use and no significant toxicity concerns. It is occasionally used in paediatric formulas for digestive Qi stagnation presenting as abdominal distension, poor appetite, or nausea. As with all herbal medicines for children, professional guidance is recommended.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Zi Su Geng

Barbiturates and sedatives: Perilla frutescens extracts have been shown in animal studies to prolong barbiturate-induced sleep time and exhibit sedative effects. If combined with pharmaceutical sedatives or barbiturate-class drugs, there is a theoretical risk of enhanced sedation. Dosage adjustment of either the herb or the drug may be warranted.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: Some sources suggest that Perilla may have mild effects on blood coagulation. Caution is advised when combining with warfarin, heparin, or antiplatelet agents, as there is a theoretical risk of increased bleeding.

Blood sugar-lowering medications: Perilla has been reported to have a mild blood sugar-elevating effect. Patients on hypoglycaemic agents or insulin should be monitored, as the herb may partially counteract the effect of these medications.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Zi Su Geng

Avoid cold, raw, and greasy foods while taking Zi Su Geng, as these can obstruct Qi movement and counteract the herb's Qi-regulating effects. Classical sources specifically note that carp (li yu) should be avoided. Foods that support digestive function, such as warm cooked grains and lightly spiced dishes, are complementary. Perilla itself has a long culinary tradition and pairs well with seafood, which it is traditionally said to detoxify.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Zi Su Geng source plant

Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. is an annual herbaceous plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae), native to the Himalayas and Southeast Asia. The stems are characteristically square (four-sided) with four parallel grooves, growing 0.3 to 1.5 metres tall, and may be green or purple in colour with fine hairs. The leaves are opposite, broadly ovate with serrated margins, 4.5 to 13 cm long and 2.8 to 10 cm wide, often purple or purplish-red on the underside. The plant produces small white, lavender, or light purple flowers arranged in spike-like racemes during late summer and autumn. The fruits are small, ovoid nutlets about 1.5 mm in diameter. The entire plant is aromatic with a distinctive mint-like fragrance. It thrives in warm, humid climates on well-drained, loamy soils in full sun.

The medicinal stem (Zi Su Geng) is the dried main stalk of the plant, harvested after the fruits mature. The processed herb appears as square-columnar segments with a purplish-brown or dark purple surface, showing longitudinal grooves and slightly swollen nodes with paired branch and leaf scars.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Zi Su Geng is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Autumn (September to November), after the fruits have matured. The above-ground plant is cut, and the stems are separated from leaves, small branches, and fruits, then sun-dried. An earlier harvest of thicker stems may occur in late summer when the leaves are collected (yielding "tender Su Geng"), while the later autumn harvest yields "old Su Geng."

Primary growing regions

Zi Su Geng is widely cultivated across China and does not have a single strongly defined terroir (dao di) region in the way some other herbs do. Major producing provinces include Hubei, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Henan, Sichuan, Guangxi, Shandong, Guangdong, Hebei, and Shanxi. It is a cultivated crop rather than a wild-harvested herb, and quality depends more on proper cultivation and harvesting timing than on specific regional origin. The plant originated in the Himalayas and Southeast Asia and is also widely grown in Japan, Korea, and India.

Quality indicators

Good quality Zi Su Geng stems are square-columnar with rounded edges, 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter. The surface should be purplish-brown or dark purple with four longitudinal grooves and fine striations. Nodes should be slightly swollen with visible paired branch and leaf scars. The herb is light in weight, hard in texture, and brittle. When sliced (2 to 5 mm thick), the cross-section shows a yellowish-white wood section with fine, dense radial lines and a white pith that may be loose or hollow. It should have a faint aromatic fragrance and a bland taste. Avoid stems that are completely dry and odourless, excessively woody, or pale yellowish-brown (which may indicate substitution with the white Perilla variety, Bai Su Geng).

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Zi Su Geng and its therapeutic uses

《本草纲目》 (Ben Cao Gang Mu)

Chinese:

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Zi Su Geng's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Perilla (紫苏, Zi Su) has been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years and is one of the earliest plants designated by the Chinese Ministry of Health as both a food and a medicine. The whole plant yields three distinct medicinal materials: the leaf (Zi Su Ye) for releasing the exterior and harmonizing the Stomach, the stem (Zi Su Geng) for regulating Qi and calming the fetus, and the seed (Zi Su Zi) for descending Qi and dissolving Phlegm. This tripartite use from a single plant is a distinctive feature in the materia medica.

The classical text Ben Cao Shu (《本草述》) neatly summarized this division of labour: "The leaf harmonizes and disperses, the stem harmonizes and unblocks, the seed harmonizes and descends." The stem first appeared as a distinct medicinal entry in the Ming dynasty text Ben Cao Meng Quan (《本草蒙筌》). The Song dynasty Tu Jing Ben Cao (《图经本草》) had already noted that when one wants to unblock wind toxins, the stem alone should be used with the nodes removed. Li Shizhen recorded in the Ben Cao Gang Mu that Perilla leaves were commonly eaten with fish and seafood to counteract toxins, a practice that remains alive in Japanese cuisine today where shiso leaves accompany raw fish.

The name "紫苏" literally means "purple revival," referring to the plant's distinctive purple colour and its ability to revive or restore digestive function. The related white-leaved variety (Bai Su, 白苏) was historically distinguished from the purple variety but in some regions the stems were used interchangeably.

Modern Research

3 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Zi Su Geng

1

Phytochemical and phytopharmacological review of Perilla frutescens L. (Labiatae) (Review, 2017)

Yu H, Qiu JF, Ma LJ, Hu YJ, Li P, Wan JB. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2017, 108(Pt B): 375-391.

A comprehensive review covering the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of all parts of Perilla frutescens, including its stems. The review identified key bioactive compounds including volatile oils (perillaldehyde, limonene), flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin), and phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid). Pharmacological activities documented include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-allergic effects.

DOI
2

Perilla frutescens: A Rich Source of Pharmacological Active Compounds (Review, 2022)

Hou T, Netala VR, Zhang H, Xing Y, Li H, Zhang Z. Molecules, 2022, 27(11): 3578.

This review catalogued approximately 400 different bioactive compounds from Perilla frutescens, including alkaloids, terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids. The plant demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective effects across preclinical studies. The authors noted that clinical studies remain insufficient and further human trials are needed.

DOI
3

Ethnomedicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt (Review, 2019)

Ahmed HM. Molecules, 2019, 24(1): 102.

A systematic review covering 271 natural molecules identified in Perilla organs, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, essential oils, and triterpenes. Key individual compounds studied include rosmarinic acid, perillaldehyde, luteolin, apigenin, and tormentic acid. The plant showed diverse biological activities including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective effects, though the authors emphasized that clinical studies in humans are still lacking.

DOI

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.