Herbs & Business Management Series - Part 2: Perilla & Managing Inner State

In the memories of many Vietnamese people, perilla leaves appeared very early: in a bowl of porridge to relieve colds on rainy days, in a plate of raw vegetables as a side dish, or in a pot of steam bath water on days when the weather changed. Its familiar presence often leads to the true value of this herb being underestimated.

Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is not just a spice. In traditional East Asian medicine, perilla is classified as a warming herb that helps relieve external symptoms, regulate qi, support the digestive system, and soothe the respiratory tract. Modern research also notes that perilla leaves contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and natural essential oils, possessing antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties.

The unique aspect of perilla lies in its mechanism of action: it's not strong, not fast-acting, and doesn't create an immediate sensation. Its effectiveness comes from a gradual adjustment, aligning with the body's natural biological rhythm.

When Herbs Reflect a Philosophy of Slow and Balanced Living

In the modern context, especially for those in leadership, management, or organizational roles, the common state is not an obvious pathology but rather prolonged stress, inner imbalance, and subtle fatigue.

Perilla offers a different perspective on health and performance: instead of forcing the body to operate continuously at high intensity, what is more necessary is the ability to regulate and adapt.

This is also an interesting intersection between traditional herbal medicine and modern leader coaching methods. Many leadership coaches today no longer focus simply on operational skills or business goals, but delve into fundamental questions:

– How to maintain composure under long-term pressure?

– How to make sound decisions without mental overload?

– How to lead others while maintaining inner strength?

Like perilla, sustainable leadership doesn't come from coercion, but from the ability to self-regulate and understand one's inner state.

Perilla and the spirit of "leading from within"

In many East Asian cultures, herbs are not only seen as a means of health care, but also as part of the process of cultivating body, mind, and spirit. Drinking herbal tea, steaming with leaves, or eating according to the seasons reflects a philosophy of living in harmony with nature.

Perilla embodies that spirit:

– Gentle yet lasting impact.

– Quiet yet essential presence.

– Unpretentious yet playing a role in overall balance.

This spirit is also similar to the philosophy pursued by many leader coaches: leadership is not about control, but about creating conditions for systems and people to function optimally in a state of balance.

Applications of Perilla in Daily Life (for reference only)

In daily life, perilla can be used in simple and familiar ways:

– Warm perilla tea: steep fresh or dried perilla leaves in hot water, suitable for early mornings or cold weather.

– Herbal steam bath: combine perilla with lemongrass, ginger, or basil to relax the body and support circulation.

– Regulating cuisine: add perilla to soups, porridges, or salads to aid digestion and create a natural flavor.

– Living space: the herbal scent of perilla provides a warm, pleasant feeling, especially suitable for those sensitive to weather changes.

Note: The above information is for sharing knowledge and folk experience, and does not replace medical advice or professional medical treatment.

Perilla is not a new wellness trend. The value of this herb lies in its resilience and its ability to remind people to return to the basics: a slower pace of life, clearer listening to the body, and a natural way of guiding oneself.

In a world that prioritizes speed and efficiency, sometimes it is simple things like perilla that offer profound insights into health, leadership, and long-term balance.

HERBAL MALLORCA