1. Harmful effects of drinking too much perilla leaf tea.
- Causes digestive discomfort: Many people have a habit of brewing very strong perilla leaf tea or drinking it instead of water all day. The high content of essential oils and soluble fiber in perilla, when accumulated in excessive amounts, can irritate the stomach lining. In fact, some cases have been recorded of symptoms such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and even diarrhea or nausea after drinking too much strong perilla leaf tea.
- Potential for allergic reactions : For individuals with sensitive constitutions or allergies to related plants such as basil, mint, and oregano, consuming large amounts of perilla leaf tea can increase the risk of irritation. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, including hives, itching, rashes, and swelling. If these symptoms appear, users should stop drinking immediately and seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility.
- Abuse can lead to nutritional imbalance: Like many other herbs, perilla leaf tea should only be considered a supplement to support a varied diet. Excessive consumption of a single beverage over a long period does not offer significant benefits; on the contrary, it reduces the body's ability to absorb other nutrients from food, causing an imbalance in essential nutrients.
Although generally harmless, drinking too much perilla leaf tea over a long period can still be detrimental to health. (Image: AI)
2. Who should be cautious when using perilla leaf tea?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
To date, there are not many in-depth scientific publications comprehensively evaluating the safety of drinking concentrated perilla leaf tea regularly for fetuses and young children through breast milk. Drinking excessive amounts without medical supervision can affect the sensitive digestive system of pregnant women. Therefore, this group should consult a specialist doctor before using it for health benefits.
People undergoing treatment for chronic diseases
Individuals with a history of diabetes, hypertension, liver disease, or impaired kidney function should exercise particular caution. Because perilla leaf tea contains bioactive compounds that affect circulation and metabolism, overuse may alter blood pressure or blood sugar levels. Patients currently taking chronic medications should consult their doctor to prevent potential interactions that could reduce the effectiveness of their medications.
A person preparing for surgery.
The active compounds in perilla essential oil can dilate blood vessels and slightly affect the body's natural blood clotting process. If you have a habit of drinking perilla leaf tea daily, you should clearly inform your doctor and stop using it at least two weeks before undergoing surgery to ensure safety and avoid the risk of uncontrollable bleeding.
3. How to use perilla leaves properly
You should only drink one to two moderate glasses of perilla leaf tea each day, and it should not completely replace plain water.
To prepare the tea, boil a handful of washed fresh perilla leaves with about 1 liter of water for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool. Boiling for too long will cause the valuable essential oils to evaporate, reducing the characteristic aroma and nutrients. After boiling, the perilla leaf tea should be stored in the refrigerator if not used immediately and must be consumed within 24 hours to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination and spoilage.
Perilla leaf tea is a healthy beverage option, rich in antioxidants when used correctly and in moderation. However, it's important to understand that it is not a medicine and cannot treat or replace any medical treatment.
Readers are invited to watch the video :