Perilla (Perilla frutescens) is an edible herb native to many countries in Asia. Its leaves and oil are used in cooking and as medicine.
Perilla leaf, seed, and stem are used as three different Chinese medicines. It contains chemicals that might decrease swelling and help reduce the growth of cancer cells. Perilla seed oil is also high in the fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.
People use perilla for hay fever, asthma, canker sores, dementia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse perilla with other plants with similar common names, including alpha-linolenic acid, coleus, salvia divinorum, English horsemint, Japanese mint, peppermint, spearmint, and wild mint. These are not the same.
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