Perilla essential oil is known for its fresh, green fragrance and remarkable therapeutic benefits. Let’s explore the story behind this unique aroma.
Perilla (scientific name: Perilla frutescens) or Shiso in Japanese, is an annual herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, widely cultivated across Asia. It grows well in warm, humid climates and nutrient-rich soil. The plant has opposite leaves with serrated edges and fine hairs, tapering to a pointed tip. There are several common varieties of perilla, including purple perilla (with one side of the leaf purple and the other green), red perilla (with both sides purple or reddish-purple), and green perilla (with both sides green). The purple variety has a richer aroma and is often used in traditional medicine or as a natural coloring agent, while the green variety has a milder scent and is commonly eaten raw as a culinary herb.
Perilla holds an important place in both Vietnamese and Japanese culinary cultures, valued as both a flavorful herb and a traditional medicine. In Vietnam, it’s an essential ingredient in simple, comforting dishes like herbal porridge, soups, steamed or grilled foods. In Japan, shiso leaves accompany sushi, sashimi, and are used to make pickled plums (umeboshi). During summer, perilla is also used to brew teas or drinks that refresh the body and beautify the skin. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, perilla helps relieve colds, reduce fever, soothe coughs, fight inflammation, and aid digestion.
Perilla essential oil has a distinct green and herbal scent with subtle spicy notes, derived primarily from perillaldehyde. It’s an energizing and clarifying aroma - sharp yet natural - evoking the freshness of green leaves and clean air. When used in small amounts or blended with other scents, it can help purify the atmosphere and bring a sense of clarity to your surroundings.
In Vietnam, perilla is cultivated widely and has become a high-value crop with strong export potential, offering sustainable livelihoods for local farmers. areme’s perilla essential oil is steam-distilled from purple perilla leaves, preserving the rich active compounds and the plant’s distinct, refreshing aroma. Its herbal, warm-spicy fragrance helps relieve fatigue and calm the mind.
areme’s perilla essential oil is steam-distilled from purple perilla leaves, preserving the full content of valuable natural compounds and the distinctive aroma of perilla leaves. According to our internal evaluation, purple perilla contains a higher essential oil yield and a higher concentration of perillaldehyde compared to other varieties. Purple perilla oil has a warm, mildly spicy scent that helps promote mental relaxation effectively, support wellness by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
Perilla essential oil is rich in perillaldehyde, a natural compound known for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, as well as supporting cardiovascular health. Thanks to its refreshing scent, it’s ideal for aromatherapy, steam inhalation, or diffusion to ease colds, purify air, reduce stress, and promote restful sleep.
Some health benefits of perilla essential oil:
- Helps relieve colds, coughs, and nausea.
- Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.
- Calms the mind and reduces stress.
- When properly diluted, soothes the skin, provides anti-aging benefits, and moisturizes thanks to its antioxidant action.
How to use perilla essential oil:
- Steam inhalation: Add a few drops to a bowl of hot water (50–60°C), cover your head with a towel, and inhale slowly for 10–15 minutes to relieve congestion.
- Inhalation: Add a few drops to a cup of hot water and gently breathe in the vapor to soothe the respiratory tract.
- Bathing: Add diluted oil to bath water for relaxation.
- Massage: Blend with carrier oil and massage onto tense or tired areas to relieve muscle discomfort.