This oil is made from the Perilla frutescens, a leafy, bushy herb in the mint family that’s also known as “wild basil” (because it’s often mistaken for basil), “purple mint,” “rattlesnake weed,” and “Shiso.” Traditionally grown in Asian countries, Perilla came to the U.S. in the late 1800s, brought by Asian immigrants. It has a strong, minty smell (though some have described it as more similar to cinnamon or licorice), and likes light to medium moist well-drained and rich soil, along with a lot of sun. It can grow up to four feet tall, with serrated leaves that turn purple to red in the fall. Both the young leaves and the seedlings are edible on this plant, raw or cooked. The leaves are often used as a spice, cooked, or fried, and may be combined with rice, fish, soups, and vegetables. You can add the seedlings to salads, and older leaves for flavoring in just about anything. In Asia, immature flower clusters are used in soups and chilled tofu, and the seeds to spice up tempura and miso. The Japanese also use it to make pickled plums, called “umeboshi plums.” In the U.S., perilla essential oil is often used to flavor foods, candies, and sauces. Both the leaves and the seeds have many good-for-you nutrients, including protein, fatty acids, and disease-fighting antioxidants.
Benefits
Perilla stands out as far as what it offers the skin—especially sensitive skin. Excellent for treating aging skin – it is rich in omega-3, soothing, repairing and providing powerful antioxidant protection for mature and aging skin. Rich in flavones, it offers potent antioxidant activity thus helping to prevent free-radical-induced damage to the skin cells, which can result in premature aging. This oil is a fine, ‘dry’ oil which is easily absorbed into the skin. It is non-greasy and useful for a wide variety of products.
Perilla also provides the following skin benefits:
Antioxidants: If you want to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, antioxidants are key.
