Perrilla frutescens, commonly referred to as perilla, is a food and traditional medicine in Asian countries, particularly Japan and China. A member of the mint family, the leaves are used in Chinese herbal medicine for symptoms of asthma and cough and contain calcium, iron, and vitamin C. Its seeds support healthy immune function and are a rich source of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Check out all the amazing anti-inflammatory benefits:
 
1. Take some perilla oil to prevent heart disease:
Research has shown that people who use perilla oil instead of soybean oil have a better chance at preventing coronary heart disease and decrease their risk of blood clots (thus prevents heart attacks and strokes). The omega-3 and antioxidant rich perilla seeds also decrease oxidized LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), which is the basis for atherosclerosis. 
 
2. Helps decrease stomach and intestinal discomforts:
The leaf is especially important for this function, as it contains flavonoids, rosmarinic acid, and caffeic acid. Research has shown that perilla can help improve bloating, passage of gas, rumbling, and feeling of fullness shortly after starting to take an extract through prokinetic (helps strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, thus preventing acid reflux) and antispasmodic (prevents and decreases cramping) effects. 
 
3. Supports mental health and mood:
Recently, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and apigenin isolated from the leaf of perilla have been identified as having antidepressive and anxiolytic properties through optimizing dopaminergic mechanisms. In addition to this, inhalation of the essential oil of Perilla has also shown antidepressant-like activity through its affect on the nervous system.

4. High in healthy fatty acids and contains a desirable omega 3 to 6 ratio:
Perilla seeds are a terrific source of omega 3, 6, and 9; the healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In fact, when comparing Perilla to other plant oils, it contains one of the higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than the others., including chia seeds This is so important because most people have an imbalance in the omega 3 to 6 ratio and have too much omega 6 which get inserted in the cell membranes and promote abnormal clotting and increased inflammation. 
 
5. It can help decrease your itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath:
Many studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating hypersensitivities, seasonal allergies, and Asthma.  All thanks to its wonderful constituents including quercetin, alpha-lineolic acid, luteolin, and rosmarinic acid, perilla can directly inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells, decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inhibit the production of IgE.