Perilla Oil is an oil obtained from the cold pressing of the seeds of the Perilla frutescens plant of the laminaceae family, the same as other aromatic herbs such as mint, basil and sage.
Perilla is native to eastern countries such as China, Japan, India, Vietnam and Korea where it is cultivated precisely because of its beneficial properties and for food use as a natural flavoring for foods.
The Perilla plant is in fact used to flavor Asian dishes and the oil obtained from the seeds was also intended for the production of paints, ink, water-repellent materials and linoleum.
These eastern countries are not known as Perilla ma di shiso and not only are the leaves used in the kitchen but also the seeds in soups or fish-based dishes such as sushi.
Characteristics of Perilla Oil
Perilla oil is liquid at room temperature and its color is light yellow very clear and transparent. Its smell is characteristic and has an equally particular aroma.
We can say that Perilla Oil resembles Linseed Oil although it is drier in consistency.
The composition of Perilla Oil is extremely rich in polyunsaturated fats and in particular omega 3 also has phytosterols, polyphenols and a good amount of vitamin E.
The extraction of the oil from the seeds of the Perilla from a variable yield depending on the cultivated variety and the conditions of cultivation of the plant itself, however the yield is between 38 and 45 percent.
Properties and benefits of Perilla Oil
In traditional Chinese medicine, Perilla has been used since ancient times as a remedy for flu, rheumatism, anemia, diarrhea, headaches and blood circulation problems.
In the herbalist field and according to the most recent research on Perilla there are studies that confirm these beneficial properties and see the use for perilla to rebalance lipids, to strengthen blood vessels, as an antiallergic and even anti-inflammatory.
Perilla oil: cholesterol and triglycerides in balance
The richness in these vegetable fats makes Perilla Oil capable of reducing cholesterol levels in the blood and also of acting on triglycerides, even helping to bring the levels of good cholesterol back into balance faster.
Perilla oil: healthy blood vessels
Perilla oil has an action in the cardiovascular system both towards the blood vessels themselves as it protects the inner endothelial cell layer preventing injury both because it reduces blood pressure with an antithrombotic effect and reduces the risk of heart attack and angina pectoris. Furthermore, perilla oil also acts by reducing the risk of stroke and bleeding as well as other cerebrovascular diseases.
The protection on the cells and on the tissues of the membrane allows to reduce the oxidative damage reported by the free radicals responsible precisely for the cellular aging of our body.
Antiallergic Perilla oil
Perilla oil is an excellent remedy for allergies including the manifestations of asthma, hives, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis.
Its specific action is to reduce the production of the antibodies responsible for the allergic event.
Furthermore, Perilla oil has a strong natural antihistamine power and even acts on leukocytes.
Natural anti-inflammatory Perilla oil
The high presence of omega 3 makes perilla oil excellent for reducing the formation of fat in the body and also has a strong anti-inflammatory power even against chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
This anti-inflammatory effect is really important in many situations of generalized malaise when the reasons for the disease are not well understood but inflammation is present in one part or in the whole body.
In a certain sense we could say that all diseases originate from an inflamed tissue and therefore the use of Perilla oil becomes a valid natural remedy to counteract and reduce this inflammatory state.
Uses of Perilla Oil
Usually Perilla Oil is sold as a food supplement in the form of pearls or capsules to be taken by mouth once or twice a day.
The maximum use of 4 grams of Perilla is indicated as a safety threshold .
Another form is the liquid and pure oil that is used as a base oil for massages or for topical use as an ointment to put in drops twice a day on the skin.
Perilla oil can also be purchased as a cooking oil to add to dishes or to take a teaspoon before main meals.
However, we remind you to ask an expert in the field and your doctor the possibility of using this natural product especially for pregnant and lactating women as well as for people who are at risk of diabetes.