Elsholtzia blanda
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID6440391de165c738206304 |
| Scientific name | Elsholtzia blanda |
| Authority | Benth. |
| First published in | Labiat. Gen. Spec. : 162 (1833) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Among the Naxi of northern Yunnan, China, dried leaves of Elsholtzia blanda are boiled in water for ten to fifteen minutes to make a strong decoction used as a diaphoretic for fever, chills and the common cold (Yang et al., 2018). In the Hmong communities of northern Vietnam, the same species is prepared as a gentle infusion: a handful of dried leaves is steeped in just‑boiled water for five to seven minutes, and the warm tea is sipped three times a day to relieve cough and sore throat (Nguyen et al., 2020). The Khmu people of northern Laos apply a fresh‑leaf poultice to the skin: the leaves are crushed and placed directly on inflamed or wounded sites to reduce swelling and promote healing (Phommakoun et al., 2021). These three ethnobotanical records together confirm that the plant’s aerial parts are used in teas, decoctions and poultices across distinct cultural settings.
For a practical preparation that mirrors the traditional uses, a mild tea can be made from 1.5 g of dried leaves placed in 250 ml of freshly boiled water. Cover the cup and let the leaves steep for five minutes, then strain and drink while warm. The dose can be repeated up to three times a day, but total leaf intake should not exceed 5 g per day. Because the plant contains essential oils that may stimulate uterine activity, it is not recommended for pregnant women, and children younger than twelve should be given only very dilute preparations.
Phytochemical investigations of Elsholtzia blanda have repeatedly identified a characteristic essential‑oil profile rich in 1,8‑cineole (eucalyptol), camphor, borneol, α‑terpinyl acetate and β‑caryophyllene (Cao et al., 2019). The leaves also contain appreciable amounts of the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid and the flavonoids luteolin and apigenin (Li et al., 2020). These constituents have documented antimicrobial, anti‑inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, offering a plausible chemical basis for the plant’s traditional use against respiratory infections and skin inflammation.
Modern research continues to verify the bioactivity of Elsholtzia blanda: recent in‑vitro studies show its essential oil inhibits common respiratory pathogens, and commercial herbal teas that feature the species are marketed in several Asian countries as a “cold‑relief” beverage. Nevertheless, the plant remains a living part of daily household practice among the Naxi, Hmong and Khmu, where the same simple teas and poultices continue to be prepared as they have for generations.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
Aromatic essential oil is obtained from the fresh aerial parts by steam distillation and is traded under names such as “Elsholtzia oil” or “bina oil.” The oil is used in fragrance and flavor formulations (Yunnan Forestry Research Institute; Du et al., 2008; Zhang et al., 2013).
Industrial and craft applications:
Elsholtzia oil is employed as a fragrance component in perfumes and soaps and as a flavoring agent in confectionery, beverages, and baked goods (Yunnan Forestry Research Institute; Zhang et al., 2013).
Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
The leaves and inflorescences are consumed as a culinary herb or spice in parts of Asia and as a flavoring for beverages and syrups; the essential oil is also used as a flavoring ingredient (Yunnan Forestry Research Institute; Zhang et al., 2013).
Colorants and tanning:
No documented non-medicinal use of plant parts as dyes or tanning agents is established.
Wood and fiber:
The plant is herbaceous; structural timber or fiber uses are not documented.
Fragrance and cosmetics:
The essential oil is used in perfumery (as a floral–herbal note), soap and detergent fragrances, and personal-care fragrance applications (Zhang et al., 2013).
Properties relevant to use:
The oil contains high proportions of oxygenated monoterpenes such as linalool and 1,8-cineole, which confer a fresh, floral–herbaceous odor suitable for fragrance and flavor use (Du et al., 2008; Zhang et al., 2013). Typical essential oil yield from fresh herbage is low (around 0.05–0.1% by weight), constraining industrial scale (Chao, 2010).
Standards and regulation:
Essential oil quality and identity are referenced by producer institutions (e.g., Yunnan Forestry Research Institute); specific ISO/ASTM standards for this oil are not established. Use in food and cosmetics is governed by national regulations for flavoring and fragrance substances.
Sustainability and sourcing:
Wild harvest of E. blanda occurs in parts of China and neighboring regions; sustainable harvesting protocols and standardized cultivation are being developed to ensure supply and genetic diversity (Yunnan Forestry Research Institute).
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Aphanochilus blandus | Benth. | Pl. Asiat. Rar. 1: 29 (1830) |
| Perilla elata | D.Don | Prodr. Fl. Nepal. : 115 (1825) |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 蔓坝 |
| Chinese | 鸡肝散 |
| Chinese | 荆芥 |
| Chinese | 野薄荷 |
| Chinese | 野苏 |
| Chinese | 黑头草 |
| Chinese | 四稜蒿 |
| Chinese | 铁扫把 |
| Chinese | 四方嵩 |
| Chinese | 四方蒿 |
| Chinese | 四楞蒿 |
| Chinese | 岩合合罗 |
Germination/Propagation Top
Suggest a correction or add new data!
No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
-
China
- China South-central
- China Southeast
-
China
-
Asia-tropical click to expand
-
Indian Subcontinent
- Assam
- Bangladesh
- East Himalaya
- Nepal
-
Indo-China
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Thailand
- Vietnam
-
Malesia
- Sumatera
-
Indian Subcontinent
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000948357 |
| Tropicos | 17606972 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:446619-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-66708 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 6081975 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1874227 |
| IPNI | 446619-1 |
| iNaturalist | 966952 |
| GBIF | 3900913 |
| EPPO | ELHBL |
| EOL | 2893785 |
| CMAUP | NPO12496 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoyl derivatives | |||||
| Benzaldehyde | 240 | Click to see | 106.12 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Benzenoids / Phenols / Methoxyphenols | |||||
| Eugenol | 3314 | Click to see | 164.20 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohols / Long-chain fatty alcohols | |||||
| Cetyl Alcohol | 2682 | Click to see | 242.44 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Stearyl Alcohol | 8221 | Click to see | 270.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Glycerolipids / Monoradylglycerols / Monoalkylglycerols | |||||
| (2R)-3-(Hexadecyloxy)-1,2-propanediol | 11758911 | Click to see | 316.50 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Batilol, (R)- | 10831326 | Click to see | 344.60 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| 3-Ethenyl-3,7-dimethyloct-6-enoic acid | 13128171 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(C)(CC(=O)O)C=C)C | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| 5,9-Dimethyl-4,8-decadienoic acid | 6365434 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCCC(=O)O)C)C | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| 5,9-Dimethyldec-8-enoic acid | 21612893 | Click to see | 198.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| beta-OCIMENE, (3E)- | 5281553 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| beta-Ocimene, (3Z)- | 5320250 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Citral | 638011 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Geraniol | 637566 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCO)C)C | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Linalool | 6549 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Myrcene | 31253 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Neral | 643779 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Nerylacetic acid | 87315304 | Click to see CC(=CCCC(=CCCC(=O)O)C)C | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids | |||||
| P-Cymene | 7463 | Click to see | 134.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+-)-alpha-Pinene | 6654 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| (1,7,7-Trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-yl)acetic acid | 20327362 | Click to see | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| alpha-Bergamotene | 86608 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Beta-Pinene | 14896 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Borneol | 64685 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Camphene | 6616 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| Limonene, (+/-)- | 22311 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)C | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| Cadina-1(10),4-diene | 10223 | Click to see CC1=CC2C(CCC(=C2CC1)C)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Caryophyllene | 5281515 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C2CC(C2CC1)(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Humulene | 5281520 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Nerolidol | 5284507 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| Santalene (minor) | 6431197 | Click to see CC(=CCCC1(C2CCC(C2)C1=C)C)C | 204.35 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Elemane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| 2-(4-Ethenyl-4-methyl-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclohexyl)propan-2-ol | 547972 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Bile acids, alcohols and derivatives / Hydroxy bile acids, alcohols and derivatives / Dihydroxy bile acids, alcohols and derivatives | |||||
| [(2S,6R)-6-[(3S,5R,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-3,5-dihydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-6-oxo-2,3,4,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-17-yl]-2-methyl-3-methylideneheptyl] acetate | 102018398 | Click to see | 488.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Cholestane steroids / Cholesterols and derivatives | |||||
| (1S,2R,5S,7S,9R,10R,11S,12S,15R,16R)-2,16-dimethyl-15-[(2R)-6-methylheptan-2-yl]-8-oxapentacyclo[9.7.0.02,7.07,9.012,16]octadecane-5,10-diol | 44583439 | Click to see | 418.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 3beta,5alpha,6beta-Trihydroxycholestane | 91498 | Click to see CC(C)CCCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC(C4(C3(CCC(C4)O)C)O)O)C | 420.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Cholestane-3b,5a,6b,7b-tetrol | 56678658 | Click to see | 436.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Cholesterol | 5997 | Click to see | 386.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Dihydrocholesterol | 6665 | Click to see | 388.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Ergostane steroids | |||||
| (1S,2R,5S,7S,9R,10R,11S,12S,15R,16R)-2,16-dimethyl-15-[(2R)-6-methyl-5-methylideneheptan-2-yl]-8-oxapentacyclo[9.7.0.02,7.07,9.012,16]octadecane-5,10-diol | 11732746 | Click to see | 430.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Ergostane steroids / Ergosterols and derivatives | |||||
| (3S,5R,6R,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(2R)-6-methyl-5-methylideneheptan-2-yl]-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,5,6-triol | 14679361 | Click to see | 432.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| (3S,5R,6R,8S,9S,10R,13R,14S,17R)-17-[(2R,5S)-5,6-dimethylheptan-2-yl]-10,13-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17-tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,5,6-triol | 44558918 | Click to see | 434.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 22,23-Dihydrobrassicasterol | 5283637 | Click to see CC(C)C(C)CCC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C | 400.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 24-Methylenecholesterol | 92113 | Click to see | 398.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 5 Alpha-ergostane-3 beta,5,6 beta,7 beta-tetrol | 133494 | Click to see | 450.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Brassicasterol | 5281327 | Click to see CC(C)C(C)C=CC(C)C1CCC2C1(CCC3C2CC=C4C3(CCC(C4)O)C)C | 398.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| Ergost-24(28)-ene-3-beta,5-alpha,6-beta,7-beta-tetrol | 11037703 | Click to see | 448.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Estrane steroids / Estrogens and derivatives | |||||
| Ethinylestradiol | 5991 | Click to see | 296.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Gorgostanes and derivatives | |||||
| (3S,8S,9R,10S,13R,14S,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1S)-1-[(1R,2R)-2-methyl-2-[(2R)-3-methylbutan-2-yl]cyclopropyl]ethyl]-1,2,3,4,7,8,11,12,14,15,16,17-dodecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,9-diol | 11812281 | Click to see | 442.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| 11alpha-Hydroxygorgosterol | 10599347 | Click to see CC(C)C(C)C1(CC1C(C)C2CCC3C2(CC(C4C3CC=C5C4(CCC(C5)O)C)O)C)C | 442.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Pregnane steroids / Gluco/mineralocorticoids, progestogins and derivatives | |||||
| (3S,8S,9R,10S,11R,13R,14R,17R)-10,13-dimethyl-17-[(1R)-1-[(1R,2R)-2-methyl-2-[(2R)-3-methylbutan-2-yl]cyclopropyl]ethyl]-2,3,4,7,8,11,12,15,16,17-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthrene-3,9,11,14-tetrol | 10961762 | Click to see | 474.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Steroid esters | |||||
| 3-(Acetyloxy)-5-hydroxyergost-24(28)-en-6-yl acetate | 90473755 | Click to see | 516.80 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Steroids and steroid derivatives / Stigmastanes and derivatives | |||||
| gamma-Sitosterol | 457801 | Click to see | 414.70 | unknown | via CMAUP database |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Phenylketones / Alkyl-phenylketones | |||||
| Acetophenone | 7410 | Click to see CC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 | 120.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698130 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |