Perilla oil (Perilla frutescens) is an uncommon vegetable oil made by pressing perilla seeds, the seeds of a plant in the mint family that goes by the same name. It is commonly known as Japanese mint, Chinese basil, or shiso. The seeds of this plant are composed of 35 to 45% fats, many of which are beneficial to overall health. In fact, this oil has one of the highest concentrations of omega-3 amongst vegetable oils. Furthermore, this oil has a unique nutty and aromatic taste, making it a very popular flavor ingredient and food additive, in addition to being a healthy cooking oil. [1]
In terms of appearance, this oil is light yellow in color and quite viscous, and is widely considered a healthy oil to use in cooking. Although it is primarily found in Korean cuisine as well as other Asian traditions, it is becoming more popular in the United States and other nations due to its health potential. [2]
| Perilla seed oil benefits and uses Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Perilla seed oil benefits and uses |
| Scientific Name: | Perilla Frutescens |
| Origin | It is grown in India, China, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, and Japan. |
| Colors | Clear, light yellow |
| Taste | Nutty |
| Health benefits | Moisturize skin, Nourishes scalp, Treat asthma, Relieve itching, Prevents sunstroke |
Perilla also known as Perilla frutescens is an aromatic perennial plant that is inherent to Asia. It belongs to the mint family. Perilla oil is an excellent source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids that provides various skin and health benefits. It has a high content of n-3 linolenic acid which is an essential fatty acid that has a vital role to regulate inflammation of the skin and body. It has flavones that provide an antioxidant activity that assists in the prevention of damage caused by free radicals. The oil is extracted by cold pressing the seeds which possess oil from 35% to 45%. This oil is used for soothing, moisturizing, and treating dry, mature, sensitive, and cracked skin. It also protects and nourishes the hair as well as the scalp.
| Name | Perilla seed oil benefits and uses |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name of Perilla | Perilla Frutescens |
| Native | It is grown in India, China, Korea, Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, and Japan. |
| Common/English Name of Perilla | Shiso, Perilla mint, Chinese basil, Japanese mint |
| Name in Other Languages of Perilla | Korean: deulgireum (들기름); |
| Extraction method | Expeller pressed, bleached, refined, deodorized |
| Color | Clear, light yellow |
| Flavor | Intense |
| Aroma | Characteristics, sweet, light, nutty |
| Taste | Nutty |
Composition of perilla seed oil
Perilla oil contains very high levels of n-3 linolenic acid (over 50%), an essential fatty acid that plays a major role in regulating inflammation in the body as well as the skin. Perilla oil also contains high amounts of skin-loving omega-3 essential fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Rich in flavones (plant compounds), which are heavily present in this botanical, it offers potent antioxidant activity thus helping to prevent free-radical-induced damage to the skin cells which can result in premature aging. Perilla oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and anti-allergic qualities due to being naturally rich in polyphenols (particularly rosmarinic acid) and triterpenoids (particularly ursolic acid).
Health Benefits of Perilla seed oil
- It is used to soothe, moisturize and protect dry, mature, sensitive, and cracked.
- It makes the skin look young and softer.
- It also nourishes the scalp and hair by protecting them.
- It repairs premature skin.
- It makes the skin calmer, clearer, and toned with a refreshed look.
- It is used to soothe stomachache, treat asthma, coughs and relieve muscle spasms.
- It could be used as an antiseptic for acne-prone skin.
- It provides relief from itching and swelling of the skin.
- It prevents skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
- It prevents the conditions such as memory problems and colon cancer.
- It improves memory and learning in children as well as adults.
- It provides relief from the conditions such as sunstroke and nausea.
- Due to its cleansing properties, it is used as a skin cleanser.
- It lowers the chances of clogged and oily skin.
Benefits of Perilla Oil
There are a number of impressive benefits of perilla oil, including its ability to fight against bacterial and viral infections, boost the health of the skin, and prevent allergic reactions, among others.
- Aids in anti-inflammatory activity: Perilla seed oil contains several compounds such as omega-3 fatty acid and Rosmarinic acid. Both these compounds have shown results of suppressing and lowering the levels of inflammation in the body. These compounds help relieve inflammation and suppress allergy-causing agents.
- Aids in promoting good HDL: This oil contains an impressive amount of Omega-3 fatty acid and small amounts of Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acid. Consumption of Omega-3 helps in raising HDL (good cholesterol) while lowering the bad cholesterol levels. Thus, it aids in the prevention of cholesterol plaques on the inner artery walls and subsequent high blood pressure and heart attack.
- Aids in reducing oxidative stress: One more perilla oil benefit is as a good source of potent antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid, shishonin, apigenin, quercetin, luteolin, and essential oil fatty acid with strong antioxidant activity. The antioxidants protect against the harmful actions of reactive oxygen that causes oxidative stress. Free radicals cause damage at the cellular level that disrupts the normal cell function which is where the antioxidants help.
- Effective against allergies: The Rosmarinic acid in perilla oil helps to inhibit inflammatory activity, thus aiding in the prevention of seasonal allergy. The oil extract from the perilla can also improve the lung function and breathing problems of people suffering from asthma.
- Excellent for skincare: The Rosmarinic acid in the perilla seed oil aids in the effective treatment of atopic dermatitis. The oil is wonderful for calming the skin, and a regular application is good for dry skin. The oil also helps reduce clogged pores. It also helps cysts and acne when applied topically.
- Cleansing: This means the oil can help minimize the appearance of large pores, giving your skin a smoother, more flawless look while helping to reduce the risk of oily skin and clogged pores.
- Removes dirt and impurities: Because of its cleansing properties, this oil is well known as a powerful skin cleanser.
- Anticancer potential against breast cancer [rx]
- Reduces the risk of heart diseases due to its high level of omega-3 fatty acid [rx]
- Relieves symptoms of colitis
- Treats arthritis
- Reduces scalp irritation
- Minimizes asthmatic attacks
- Aids in weight control
- Prevents premature aging and increases skin health
- Strengthens the immune system
- Reduces allergic reactions
- Defends against chronic disease due to its antioxidant activity [rx]
- Stops water loss in the body
- Improves brain health and prevents neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s
How to Use Perilla Oil?
Just like most vegetable oils, perilla oil is used in cooking, particularly for savory meals that could use a nutty and flavorful boost.
- Culinary uses: Apart from cooking it is also a popular ingredient in dipping sauces.
- Industrial uses: Printing inks, paints, industrial solvents, and varnish.
- Lamps: In traditional use, this oil was even used to fuel lamps for light.
- Medicinal uses: Perilla oil powder is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, more specifically, the alpha-linolenic acid that helps in improving heart health. [6]
Cooking with perilla oil
Rather than supplements, a better way to get these healthy fatty acids into your diet is through food and cooking with perilla oil.
Korean cuisine makes heavy use of perilla seed oil and it is especially popular for sautéing vegetables. It is an ingredient in Korean salad dressings, which gives them an earthy taste.
If you end up buying perilla oil, just remember that its shelf life is much shorter than other oils — use it within a year.
In addition to the oil, the leaves themselves, called kketyip, are popular in Korean cuisine. Pickled perilla leaves, kkaennip jangajji, are a quick, spicy, and tangy appetizer. For a perilla-infused condiment, you can boil perilla leaves and sesame leaves in soy sauce, then strain. The leaves can also be tossed and cooked into soups and stews.
Ultimately, considering the health benefits associated with perilla oil and its pleasant flavor as a cooking ingredient, its use could be a positive addition to your daily regimen.
Perilla seed oil provides many health benefits, but it should be used with caution due to its possible anti-coagulant effects and the potential for pulmonary toxicity. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the use of perilla oil with a medical professional. More research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential side effects of perilla oil.
Precautions
- It would be better to consult the doctor for use.
- Use it in moderate amounts.
- People who are allergic to Perilla should avoid using this oil.
- Sensitive people might get allergic reactions.
How to Eat
- It is used in salad dressings, sauté vegetables, and other low-temperature cooking.
- It is used to enhance the flavor of cooking oil in Korean cuisines.
- It is used as an ingredient for dressing Korean salads to provide an earthy taste.
Perilla seed oil facts
Perilla seed oil is used in varnishes, paints, printing ink, linoleum, lacquers, and protective waterproof coatings. Perilla seed oil is a great source of essential fatty acid and alpha-linolenic acid and is also used in Asian cuisines. It is used to treat allergies, lower inflammation in the body, chances of cancer, promote rheumatoid arthritis, and promote cardiovascular health by lowering the chances of cholesterol plaques, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. The oil is extracted by crushing or pressing seeds. The roasted seeds provide a more intense flavor.
From Where To Buy
- Organic Cold Pressed Perilla Seed Oil Great in soaps, creams, lotions and for massage.
- Keep the skin moist and wrinkle free.
- Usage Rate: 1-100%
or
- The Perfect Nut. High in beneficial fats and super low carb (just 1 g per serving)
- Great source of Magnesium, Vitamin B-1 and Manganese
- Certified Paleo, Certified Keto, Non GMO Project Verified. Wild Harvested & Hand Processed
- Sprouted. Great for on the go, hiking, camping, etc.
- The perfect touch of Himalayan Salt with Organic Coconut MCT Oil. Pure, Delicious and filling.
References