Today, our protagonist is not a superhero, nor a traffic niche, but a leaf - perilla leaf. Don't look at it as just a leaf, its origin is not small, not only can you go to the hall, down to the kitchen, but also to enter the pharmacy, which can be called the "three-dimensional star" of the plant world.
First, let's unravel the mystery of perilla leaves. Perilla, whose scientific name is perilla frutescens, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to East Asia. Its leaves take on a distinctive green or purple color with jagged edges and are shaped a bit like a miniature maple leaf. If you see it in a wet market, don't think it's just a little side play to garnish sushi or ramen, it's much more than that.
Perilla leaves are rich in nutritional value, rich in vitamins A, C and a variety of minerals, and also contain a very special compound - perilla aldehyde, which gives perilla leaves a unique fragrance and medicinal value. In traditional Chinese medicine, perilla leaves are believed to have the effects of relieving cold, reconciling the spleen and stomach, and relieving cough and asthma. If you have a cold, you might as well make a cup of perilla tea and let its aroma help you drive away the cold in your body.
However, the charm of perilla leaves does not stop there. In the kitchen, it is a top performer of seasonings. Whether it's bibimbap, stir-fry, or soup, shiso leaves provide a fresh yet mellow flavor. In Japanese cuisine, shiso leaves are often eaten with sashimi to add color and neutralize the fishy smell of seafood. In Korea, people like to wrap basil leaves in barbecue and eat it, which is a unique way to mix it up and be both delicious and healthy.
In addition to eating, perilla leaves can also play new tricks. You can try drying the perilla leaves and then making them into sachets and putting them in the wardrobe to repel insects and odors; Or mash fresh perilla leaves and add them to the powder to make a natural skin care product. Such a brain-opening hole, does it make you look at this leaf with admiration?
Of course, perilla leaves are not a panacea. There are a few things we need to pay attention to when using perilla leaves. For example, due to the irritation of perilla leaves, excessive consumption may cause discomfort for patients with digestive diseases such as gastritis and stomach ulcers. In addition, pregnant women should also be cautious when consuming perilla leaves, as perilla leaves may stimulate uterine contractions.
In short, perilla leaves are like a versatile artist, who can sing (medicinal), dance (seasoning), and act (beauty and skin care). Behind this seemingly mundane green leaf, there are infinite possibilities. So, the next time you encounter it at the wet market, you might as well take it home and let this "three-star star" shine in your life.
Winter health care needs attention